Discussions

Have you recently been diagnosed with NTM, Bronchiectasis or both? Do you have a specific question?

Is the flu widely spreading in your area? https://symptoms.webmd.com/cold-flu-map/default.htm?ecd=wnl_spr_121922&ctr=wnl-spr-121922_lead_title&mb=BV9hlHMDfjVlJNmGRIb%40PxXFE73IOX1cnRFKG4M8oE4%3D

Do you want to learn more about reducing exposure to NTM? The video below offers some great recommendations: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bRyoYXthxH4

https://bronchiectasis.com.au/bronchiectasis/diagnosis-2/lung-function

My chimney's immune system is weak due to smoking, and now it has the flue.

Hello from Australia. My wife has been to see her doctor, who has recommended a course of three antibiotics to treat her NTM. The doc says that the treatment might have to be for 6 months to a year or perhaps longer. She has been informed about possible side effects and is now deciding whether to start the treatment. She's 66. Any thoughts, particularly from Aussie patients?

I have noticed that weather seems to affect how I feel. Does anyone have any tips on how to manage the coming winter?

Inhale colistin using a nebulizer

Can someone tell me about the local support groups that I have seen on this site.

I do airway clearance every day using 3% (just started using 7%) hypertonic saline….once in the morning and once late afternoon. I also use the Aerobika after I nebulize the saline. I also take the Big 3 antibiotics 3 days a week even though my last sputum culture was negative for MAC. I also use Albuterol when needed. Within the past week I have not been expelling a significant amount of sputum. Some days there is hardly any mucus. Should I be concerned or is the daily use of airway clearance having an impact?

Hi All. This question was placed in the activity feed by a community member, and I didn't want it to get missed. :)

What affect does the moisture settings on CPAP device have on bronchiectasis? Does anyone use a certain type of water to fill their CPAP humidifier? Do you worry that the humidifier could affect your bronchiectasis?

The reason I had one a few years ago as kept getting sick so they decided to do one see what bugs where in my lungs. Came up as normal flora. They only grew the sample in the lab 3 days I wonder if that was long enough.

I am 74. What would a bronschoscopy gain for me?

Who amongst the bloggers has had a Bronchoscopy and what did the results gain for you?

Who amongst the bloggers has had a Bronchoscopy and what did the results gain for you?

When is the best time to nebulize with sodium chloride? I have been using 3% saline twice a day....usually before meals. I plan on going out to dinner over the long holiday weekend and I am not sure if I should nebulize before or after dinner. Does anyone ever enjoy a glass of wine with bronchiectasis? Thank you!

I have been taking Arikcase for 4 months. Today I am coughing up small amounts of blood. should I suspend my use of Arikcase?

I saw my Infectious Disease doctor yesterday following up on my most recent sputum culture done in early April and it was negative for Mycobacterium.

I have been on the Big 3 for over a year. When I asked if I could stop taking the antibiotics, he said the protocol was to stay on them for 12 months after the last negative culture. He encouraged me to continue to take them even though I am doing well.

I received a letter from Humana Friday that Medicare has denied coverage for Performist even though I have been taking it for over a year. My doctor's nurse said that they refused to cover a generic that is now available. Does anyone have a suggestion on a drug other than performist and its generic drugs that will do the same thing.Du

I am having the above medical procedure so I can have a tooth removed and an inplant inserted. The oral surgeon said with the tooth being in the lower jaw the therapy is required. I am concerned about any adverse side effects.

Hi, I'm new to the Community. I have a family member diagnosed with MAI, who is taking multiple antibiotics. I'd like to know if anyone here take Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) as an adjunct therapy and what your experience has been. I take LDN myself for an AI condition, so know what it's about. Thanks very much!

I was recently diagnosed with a fib and was placed on Eliquis. Today I noticed that the mucis I cough up is bloody, I am wondering if this is a temporary problem that I have to work through or do I need to see if I need to change my medications.

I use a ProAir inhaler and Advair. My question is, how do you clean the actuator when it is plugged? Do you use clorox or vinegar to get it to work? Mine seems to be plugged and I have used hot water to get it unplugged. Also do you find yourself very fatigued due to Bronchiectasis? I find myself extremely tired.

Is this site active as of 3/26/2022?

I have repeatedly submitted sputum samples and gotten the following response "The presence of 10 or more epithelial cells per low power field

indicates contamination with oropharyngeal flora making the specimen

unsuitable for processing." Why is this happening and what can I do about how I collect the sample to avoid having it contaminated? My pulmonologist told me it happens often and not to worry, but those samples aren't being evaluated for gram stain cultures which have revealed infections (not NTM's) in the past.

Thanks for anyone who has advice they can share.