Discussions
Discussions
Why Do So Many Men Put Off Going to the Doctor?
Many men delay or avoid healthcare visits, often waiting until symptoms become serious. While it may seem harmless to "wait it out," postponing care can lead to missed early detection, worsening chronic conditions, higher treatment costs, and a reduced quality of life.
Common reasons men delay healthcare include:
🔹 Cultural and Social Pressures – Seeking medical help is sometimes viewed as a sign of weakness, causing men to ignore symptoms or push through pain.
🔹 Stigma Around Vulnerability – Discussing personal or sensitive health concerns can feel uncomfortable, leading some men to avoid appointments altogether.
🔹 Perceived Lack of Urgency – Many believe health concerns can be addressed "later," even when early intervention could make a significant difference.
🔹 Time and Access Barriers – Busy work schedules, family responsibilities, insurance challenges, and difficulty navigating the healthcare system can make routine care feel overwhelming.
🔹 Discomfort with Healthcare Settings – Doctor visits, paperwork, waiting rooms, and discussing personal issues can feel intimidating, especially without an established primary care provider.
🔹 Financial Concerns – Costs such as co-pays, deductibles, or lack of insurance may discourage men from seeking care.
🔹 Underestimating Health Risks – Many chronic conditions develop gradually with few noticeable symptoms, making regular checkups essential for early detection.
The good news? Small steps can make a big difference. Regular checkups, preventive screenings, and open conversations about health can help men stay healthier and catch problems before they become serious. Your health is worth the time. Don't wait for symptoms to become a crisis.
How are you going to encourage a family member or a friend to seek healthcare? Sharing your suggestions may help another member of this community. 💙
💙 Men’s Health Week 2026 – Building Empathy into Action 💙 This week, we’re shining a light on the importance of men’s health — not just physical, but mental and emotional too. Support each other — because strong communities build stronger men. Let’s break the stigma, encourage regular check-ups, and remind the men in our lives that caring for themselves is a sign of strength.
This week is about encouraging people to prioritize self-care, build healthy habits, and support physical and emotional well-being. Let us reframe self-care as a lifestyle practice rather than a novelty. It is about committing to small, sustainable changes that improve overall health over time.
Chronic stress is linked to complex health issues. Small, consistent changes in our lives—moving daily, adequate hydration, and good sleep hygiene are important. Stress management and emotional self-care can be done by practicing mindfulness through meditation or deep breathing exercises to improve our mental wellness. Work on talking openly about how you’re feeling. All of these practices can have measurable long-term benefits
Throughout the week and onward, we are reminding all men in our lives that their lung health matters. 💙 Bronchiectasis is often underdiagnosed, especially in men. Men may delay seeking care until symptoms like a chronic cough appear. Major delays to diagnosis continue to exist for men with NTM disease. Educate other men to know the signs of bronchiectasis/ NTM and encourage them to speak with their doctor.
What actions are you going to take during Men’s Health Week?
I have 3 strains of M. abcessuss (however it’s spelled) and MAC. Started in 2022, it took this long 2 find someone 2 actually want to treat it now. I have it in both lungs. I am 57, no energy & treatment includes Biaxin, Neuzyra and I.V. of Amikcin. I’m scared to put my body thru more upset & knowing I can lose hearing which is the only thing I have left. Of course the dr isn’t gonna tell or predict what’s gonna happen I wanted to know the side effects of these meds and if possible any outcomes with anyone with same affliction
Has anyone had to use oxygen? Looking for a small light weight unit. Medicare provided one but very heavy to carry
Hello! Learning about new medications and potential side effects can be overwhelming. Do you have any questions about any of the medications that you are currently taking? Below is a link to the basics of inhalers and nebulized medications: Medicines | Bronchiectasis and NTM Association
Welcome, June 💛June brings longer days and warmer light — but it also brings us another chance to heal and to hold space for one another. Sometimes it’s in the way we keep showing up, even on the hard days. It’s in the courage to share our stories, knowing someone out there will feel less alone because of it.
A fresh month, a fresh chapter begins. Throughout the month,we will focus on the following topics:
We’re walking into June together — and that makes all the difference. Let’s fill these days with sunshine and moments that make our hearts smile. What’s one hope you’re carrying into this month? Please share it below so we can cheer you on. 😍
Mark your calendars and join us at 3:30 p.m. ET on World Bronchiectasis Day, July 1, to learn how to fill your plate to support lung health 🍽️🥑🍗🍳🍎
Nutrition expert Michelle MacDonald, MS, RDN, CDCES, will guide us through the vital roles of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Learn how to develop a healthy, tasty meal plan that meets your unique nutritional needs.
💙 Register here: https://copdf.co/WBD-nutrition-webinar
Do you feel misunderstood by friends and family since you look good? The blog article below, Facing The Challenges of NTM Lung Disease , may give your friends and family better insight into what you are dealing with. The blog article contains information about the diagnosis, treatment options, and preventive strategies. Please let us know if you have any questions.
You are invited to take part in a short survey to help us better understand how people with chronic lung conditions navigate Medicare and access treatments.
Your insights will help us:
- Identify what’s working well
- Better understand common challenges
- Create tools and resources that truly support your needs
Whether you feel confident navigating Medicare or still have questions, your perspective matters.
Together, we can build solutions that make accessing care simpler and more supportive.
If you are 18+ and diagnosed with COPD, bronchiectasis, and/or NTM lung disease, take the survey now.
Hello! Allergies can really take a toll on us at this time of the year. The blog article below reviews the common causes of post nasal drip and the treatment options. Please let us know if you have any questions.
https://social.bronchandntm.org/articles/blog/Postnasal-Drip-in-the-Bronchiectasis-Patient
Hello! Memorial Day officially kicks off the start of the summer season. I hope that you have some great plans scheduled. If you are not feeling well and are unable to get out and about as you would like to, we are here to support you. We have assistance available for you in many forms. In addition to the community support you receive here on BronchiectasisandNTM360, you can call one of our Patient Ambassadors directly at (833) 411-5864. Our ambassadors are real live patients with experiences similar to yours and understand your concerns. You can also email us at contactus@bronchandntm.org to get more information on any specific questions you may have. Our ambassadors can’t provide medical advice but may be able to assist you with additional resources.
Below is a blog article on Summer Precautions- there has been an update on the time recommended to boil water that was mentioned in a previous post. Please let us know if you have any questions. I hope that you make the best of each day going forward. :)
Summer Precautions for People with Bronchiectasis and NTM Lung Disease
For many people living with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease, allergy season can increase coughing, mucus, chest tightness, post-nasal drip, fatigue, and breathing irritation. Even “mild” allergies can place extra stress on sensitive airways.
Common allergy triggers may include:
• Pollen
• Mold
• Dust mites
• Strong fragrances & chemicals
• Smoke & poor air quality
• Pet dander
• Seasonal outdoor changes
Helpful reminders during high allergy days:
💧 Stay hydrated to help thin mucus
😷 Consider a mask outdoors during heavy pollen days
🪟 Keep windows closed when pollen counts are high
🧺 Wash bedding frequently in hot water
🚿 Bathe after being outside
🌬 Use air purifiers or clean HVAC filters if possible
💤 Prioritize rest and sleep
Always talk with your healthcare provider before starting new allergy medications or supplements, especially if you have multiple respiratory conditions. You are not alone in navigating the overlap between allergies and chronic lung disease. 💙
Does anybody have a pulmonologist in San Diego who they have found to be an expert in bronchiectasis?
Hello! Early heat waves are occurring in parts of the USA today. Do you understand the meaning of the dew point, heat index and how it can impact individuals with respiratory issues? The blog article below defines such terms used by meteorologists that may assist you in better understanding the weather forecast. Many people listen to the temperature only and do not pay attention to the dew point number. Being prepared for changing weather patterns will assist you in planning throughout the summer months. Why Weather can Worsen your Lung Condition
Hello! Springtime can bring on an increase in respiratory symptoms for some individuals. Many respiratory symptoms overlap in different respiratory disorders. Do you understand what causes wheezing? The blog article below reviews the causes of wheezing and treatment options.
Wheezing and the Bronchiectasis/NTM Patient
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Hello! I have great news to report on the time required to boil water to get rid of NTM. Jennifer Honda, PhD ,BNTM water expert presented an update at the recent NTMir Patent Conference. The research study, referred to as the BANTER study, Boiling Assessment of NTM in Tap Water Evaluation Regional, included top BNTM experts throughout the country including Dr. Joseph Falkinham , National Jewish Health and 7 other BNTM experts. The new recommendation is to boil water for 3 minutes!!! Wow! What a time saver. We don’t have to be concerned about boiling water for 10-15 minutes anymore when we are at home and or out and about. I look forward to hearing more positive updates that will lessen the time we need for daily therapies.
I started taking the newly approved BE medicine Brensupri in February of 2026. I'm interested in any feedback from others who are also using this medicine.
Thank you
Hello! Many respiratory symptoms overlap. How is bronchiectasis like asthma? Bronchiectasis inflammation is usually the result of a lung infection. Your immune system responds to infections. They release chemicals that cause airway inflammation. When this happens, it can damage the tissues lining the airways and eventually lead to airway scarring.
This scarring causes airways to become abnormally dilated. This causes mucus secreted by airway cells to become thick and sticky. The accumulation of thick, sticky mucus in the airways creates a breeding ground for germs to collect. This is why people with bronchiectasis are prone to repeated lung infections.
Bronchiectasis and asthma are both associated with an immune response. They both can cause flare-ups. Common symptoms of both are shortness of breath and coughing. Asthmatic airways are hypersensitive. This makes them “spasm” when you’re exposed to your asthma triggers. It also caused increased mucus production. This is what causes shortness of breath and coughing due to asthma. These flare-up episodes are both treated and controlled with asthma medicine.
Repeated respiratory infections worsen airway inflammation. Mucus can become thick and obstruct the airways. This is what triggers bronchiectasis flare-ups. This is what causes shortness of breath and coughing due to bronchiectasis. These episodes will not respond to asthma medicine. Treatment usually entails antibiotics and other treatments.
Unlike asthma, bronchiectasis sputum tends to be colorful. It may be yellow, green, or even bloody. Bronchiectasis may also present with fatigue, fever, chills, weight loss, and night sweats. Do you have both asthma and bronchiectasis? Let us know if you have any questions.
Hi everyone - just joined. I have had Bronchiectasis for almost 10 years. Over the past 3, I've been medicated 4 times for flares which resulted in recurrent C Diff. After a year of daily Vancomycin my ID doc decided to stop. Since stopping I've had a lot of gut issues - bloating, loss stools, gas and a lot of discomfort. Wondering if anyone shares this experience and if so, has anything helped? Thank you so much. Also working with a Gastro on SIBO testing and will know those results soon.
Has anyone purchased an under mattress wedge to help with nighttime acid reflux? It seems it might work better than a wedge pillow.
Hello everyone,
I'm new to the Bronchiectasis & NTM community and wanted to introduce myself. I have recently started learning more about bronchiectasis and NTM and I’m here to better understand the condition, treatment options and day to day management.
I’m especially interested in hearing about others’ experiences,what has helped you manage symptoms, any tips for maintaining lung health and how you navigate treatments or lifestyle changes.
It can feel overwhelming at first so I am really glad to have found a space like this where people share knowledge and support one another. I’m looking forward to learning from you all and contributing where I can.
Thank you in advance for any guidance or advice!
Best regards,
wajo23
Sleep is essential for healing and for functioning on a daily basis. Simple daily tasks, such as meal preparation, bathing and other activiites of daily living require menatl and physical energy. We do not have the energy if we are sleep deprived.The article below reviews specialists who assist individuals with sleep disorders You've Done Everything Right. So Why Are You Still Not Sleeping? - National Sleep Foundation
Multiple CTs have shown possible NTM MAI but every bronchoscopy and sputum labs have been negative. I have had the fundiplication Ctiff surgery, 4 sinus procedurbues and continue to have heavy thick sputum daily with non-stop coughing. I use 7% sodium to nebulize and when necessary Acetylcysteine with Albuterol. I also take Brinsupri (just started a few weeks ago). I was diagnosed with with Bronchiectasis in 2016 and have struggled for years. Any suggestions/ideas what/where I can find help/answers.
I am a newly diagnosed case of bronchiectasis. So far, no NTM present. Yesterday, all of a sudden, I had severe chills, body aches, fatigue, and fever. As the afternoon progressed, my chest and entire abdomen started to hurt, and it was somewhat painful to take a deep breath. It was incredibly painful to cough. I went to an urgent care, where they did an X-ray that did not indicate pneumonia or anything else abnormal. They also ran a urine test to check for UTI. A sputum sample from about two weeks ago had indicated haemophilus, which my pulmonary doctor chose not to treat because I was feeling okay. The attending PA at Urgent Care prescribed doxycycline, which I started to take last night. Today, the fever is mostly gone, and the pain has subsided. No issues breathing. The fatigue is still present but not as bad 24 hours ago. My question is, is abdominal and chest pain, radiating also to my back, typical of an exacerbation? I have never had that sort of pain before, it was intense, and I was rather scared. Any advice on your experiences is appreciated. Thank you.
It is not our intention to serve as a substitute for medical advice and any content posted should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We make every effort to support our members, our medical professionals cannot and will not provide a diagnosis or suggest a specific medication; those decisions should be left to your personal medical team. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with COPD, please consult a physician before making changes to your own COPD management plan.
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