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BronchandNTM360social welcomes new member Charles (Chuck) Daley who
joins 5,375 current members of our community.
We're glad you're here!
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Alyssa,
Being " present" is a gift in itself. Too often, we are thinking about the next task or event rather than being in the moment. Not being present adds stress to our lives, and our bodies and minds are interconnected. Greater stress can lead to immune issues. Let's protect ourselves by being more mindful of possible stressors in our lives and develop ways to cope with the stressors.
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
We are so excited for this webinar. Michelle will walk you through how to build a plate that is customized to meet your specific goals by showing simple swaps and practical examples. Her goal is to break things down and make nutrition feel clear, realistic, and actionable for you.
Looking forward to this event! Nutrition seems to be a hot topic! 😊
Thank you, Alyssa! 💙 I had meant to add something similar to the post this morning. It's truly impactful when patients and caregivers share their stories and experiences. Every voice matters, and you never know when your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
One of the things I love most about our community is how often it feels like family. We learn from one another, support one another, and remind each other that we're not alone on this journey. Thank you for encouraging others to share their voices and be part of something so meaningful.
Hello everyone!
Our next BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break is Wednesday, June 10, 2026 @ 2:30pm EST.
Joining us this month is Dr. Ahmed Hamdi, MD, AAHIVS, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) to present medications for BNTM patients.
Dr. Hamdi is the Co-Director of the BCM Non-tuberculous Mycobacterial Diseases Program. Ahmed Mufeed Hamdi | BCM
Resources:
Medicines | Bronchiectasis and NTM Association
We will open the call fifteen minutes early, so please join us if you wish to speak casually with us or other community members. Any health-related discussion will be held until the start of the meeting.
The meeting registration link is here: BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break Registration
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Some quick tips that may help with wheezing!
Keep up with airway clearance: Techniques like huff cough, PEP devices, vest therapy, or breathing exercises help move mucus out of the lungs. Less mucus often means less wheezing.
Use bronchodilators as prescribed: Medications such as albuterol or levalbuterol, taken by inhaler or nebulizer, can help open narrowed airways and ease wheezing. Always follow your provider’s instructions.
Avoid inhaled irritants and triggers: It is not just smoke. Strong odors, dust, cold air, harsh cleaning products, and other things that you notice make your breathing worse can all trigger wheezing. Try to limit or avoid these when possible.
Rest and pace your activities: Overexertion can make wheezing worse. Take breaks, spread tasks out, and allow yourself rest days when needed.
Please let me know if you need more information!
I am proud of myself for slowing down and enjoying the moments. This is something I struggle with but this month I took time for myself and invested in being present with my family.
This post is so meaningful, and the timing is perfect with World Bronchiectasis Day coming up on July 1. If you are interested in sharing your story, please email me at alyssa@bronchandNTM.org.
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. 😍
Yes, the greater the public awareness, the brighter for our BNTM community. Airway clearance is definitely a worthwhile therapy.
Thanks for posting this Brandon. 2 years ago I had never heard the term Bronchiectasis--let alone pronounce it or spell it🤣. Then--turns out I have mild Bronchiectasis. Now I can say it--and--spell it😀 We need all the awareness we can get-----Airway Clearance!!! It works👍
Brandon,
Thank you for the great post. It took me over a year to get diagnosed, going to many different doctors, having difficulty breathing, losing weight, not knowing what was going on, was very challenging to say the least. I am so happy that Ty Pennington is assisting the BNTM community to increase awareness. The greater the public awareness, the shorter the time period to an accurate diagnosis.
I had a young daughter at the time, and I was determined to keep going until I found the right diagnosis and treatments. Please hold onto hope that better days are ahead for BNTM patients.
Wrapping Up May with Gratitude 🌸
As May comes to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate the strength, kindness, and encouragement that flows through our community every single day. 💙
This month may have brought its own challenges, but it also brought moments of connection, shared wisdom, and hope. Whether you joined a discussion, offered a word of support, or simply read along quietly — you are an important part of this space.
Let’s carry this spirit into June, remembering that every small step forward matters. Here’s to more good days, gentle self-care, and knowing you’re never alone on this journey. What’s one thing you’re proud of yourself for this month? Please share below so we can celebrate together!
💙 Because No One Should Have to Spend Years Searching for Answers
For many people living with bronchiectasis or NTM, the journey to a diagnosis isn't measured in days or weeks.
It's measured in years.
Years of coughing.
Years of infections.
Years of wondering why you never seem to fully get better.
Years of being told it's something else.
Recently, Ty Pennington shared his mother's story and the long road that eventually led to her bronchiectasis diagnosis. Her experience is a reminder that delayed diagnosis is something many people in our community understand all too well.
📺 Watch Ty's story here:
https://abcnews.com/video/132921581/
What struck me most wasn't simply the diagnosis itself.
It was the journey.
Because behind every diagnosis is a person who kept searching for answers. A family member who kept asking questions. A caregiver who refused to give up. A physician who finally connected the dots.
That's why awareness matters.
Every time someone shares their story, it helps bring bronchiectasis and NTM out of the shadows.
Every conversation helps someone feel less alone.
Every voice helps another person recognize a symptom, seek care, or find the courage to keep searching for answers.
And perhaps most importantly, every story reminds us that there is a community waiting with open arms.
A community that understands the exhaustion.
A community that understands the uncertainty.
A community that understands the victories, both big and small.
The road to diagnosis can be long. Living with a chronic lung condition can be challenging. There will be days that test your patience, your strength, and your hope.
But there will also be people who walk beside you.
People who understand.
People who care.
People who have traveled the same road and are reaching back to help guide the next person forward.
That's what this community is all about.
So today we'd love to hear from you.
How long did it take for you or your loved one to receive a bronchiectasis or NTM diagnosis?
What helped you keep going?
Your story could be the reason someone else finds hope today. 💙
I'm registered. Can't wait!
I always look forward to her presentations. She's informative and I learn something new each time I hear her.
Registered! I am looking forward to this valuable webinar on nutrition for individuals with Bronchiectasis and NTM. Good nutrition is our fuel to keep us marching forward.:)
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
Being understood by friends and family is a huge gift that will contribute to improving your quality of life. Below is the patient video that was mentioned in the blog article above. Resource Library - Patients
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.
Eileen50,
Hello! It is great to be proactive and seek out different supplements and therapies that may assist you. Do you have acid reflux or GERD? Pineapples contain bromelain, which has anti inflamatory properites that may decrease inflammation in the respiratory tract in some individuals. However, the acidity of this fruit may increase acid reflux / GERD symptoms. Also, Curcumin can help some individuals but also aggravate acid reflux symptoms in other individuals. I am mentioning this so that you and others are mindful of supplements as you start them. I loved pineapples, especially in a pina colada in the past, lol, but I have learned to adapt and consume other fruits that are not as irritating to my acid reflux issues. Wishing you the best, please keep us posted.
hi, As I live in the U.K. non of the questions apply to me,
Best Wishes Eileen.
hi, as I am in the U.K. l just take N.A.C. Tablets, but recently have started to take good glass of Pineapple juice first thing in the morning,said to be good for lungs, Thinking of taking Curcumin after some research in to it. Best Wishes to all, Eileen.
.
I hope that you will take a few minutes to complete this valuable survey. The data from the survey will assist us to navigate Medicare plans and access effective treatments more efficiently in the near future. Thank you in advance for considering completing the survey.
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.
Thanks Katie. Great info. I deal with it off and on--not daily but enough to be an issue. These are great tips to help deal with it
In honor of World Bronchiectasis Day join Professor James Chalmers as he reviews the Bronchiectasis, NTM and PCD highlights from the American Thoracic Society’s (ATS) Conference taking place in Orlando, FL, May 15-20.
The ATS International Conference is the home of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep professionals, from those in the earliest stages of their careers to those whose research or strides in clinical care have gained them international recognition. Each year, 14,000 of these professionals from more than 100 countries choose to attend, present, and learn about the latest advances, meet with colleagues from around the world, and strike new collaborations. It is truly where today’s science meets tomorrow’s care.
Hosted by Running on Air in partnership with NTMir
Register now
In honor of World Bronchiectasis Day, Dr. Anne O’Donnell of MedStar Georgetown University Hospital will share key takeaways from the 9th Annual World Bronchiectasis Conference. This global meeting, now celebrating its 10th anniversary (no conference was held in 2018), brings together leading doctors and researchers from around the world to present the latest bronchiectasis research and advances in care.
Hosted by Running on Air in partnership with NTMir
In honor of World Bronchiectasis Day, join Dr. PJ McShane from the National Institutes of Health as he explores the diversity of bronchiectasis. The World Bronchiectasis Conference features several informative sessions, including “Bronchiectasis in Interstitial Lung Disease” and “Disease Heterogeneity,” which promise to be enlightening. As research into bronchiectasis expands, there is an increasing recognition that it should be taken seriously, especially when it occurs alongside other lung diseases.
Hosted by Running on Air in partnership with NTMir
Register now
In honor of World Bronchiectasis Day, Dr. Anne O’Donnell of MedStar Georgetown University Hospital will share key takeaways from the 9th Annual World Bronchiectasis Conference. This global meeting, now celebrating its 10th anniversary (no conference was held in 2018), brings together leading doctors and researchers from around the world to present the latest bronchiectasis research and advances in care.
In honor of World Bronchiectasis Day join Professor James Chalmers as he reviews the Bronchiectasis, NTM and PCD highlights from the American Thoracic Society’s (ATS) Conference taking place in Orlando, FL, May 15-20.
The ATS International Conference is the home of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep professionals, from those in the earliest stages of their careers to those whose research or strides in clinical care have gained them international recognition. Each year, 14,000 of these professionals from more than 100 countries choose to attend, present, and learn about the latest advances, meet with colleagues from around the world, and strike new collaborations. It is truly where today’s science meets tomorrow’s care.
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! I hope your holiday weekend brought moments of joy, connection, and rest. 💙 For those living with bronchiectasis or NTM lung disease, we know that celebrations can sometimes bring extra challenges—whether it’s managing energy, navigating social gatherings, or keeping up with treatments. As we step into the week ahead, remember:
✨ Listen to your body and pace yourself.
✨ Stay hydrated and keep up with airway clearance routines.
✨ Reach out to your community—you’re never alone in this journey.
Here’s to brighter days ahead. 🌤️ How are you feeling today? Share below so we can support each other. 💬
Welcome to BronchandNTM360social
Welcome and hope you find the site useful
KK,
You are most welcome! As they used to say, " A laugh a day keeps the doctor away....". Steve Wilson, joyologist, has a high quota of laughs per day- I think it was a minimum of 30 laughs per day, if I am correct. We do need our doctors when dealing with bronchiectasis, NTM, and laughter assists us on our individual journeys. Unfortunately, many of us don't get enough of Vitamin L (for laughter) daily. However, it is a good goal to work on. :)
So true thanks for the laughs 😂😂😂👍🏻
Below is a video with Steve Wilson, Joyologist on how National Laughter month got started many years ago: https://laughbox.aath.org/e/episode-146-the-handoff-with-steve-wilson/
😊😊
Brandon,
Great post! Humor is the best medicine of all. As Steve Wilson, a Joyologist says “ lighten up, not tighten up “. Having a chronic condition can add so much stress to our daily lives. However, we have to continually learn to adapt to a new normal and move on.
There are many benefits of humor. The more relaxed our bodies are, the greater chance of healing will occur. Humor produces endorphins similar to endorphins produced by running, and other forms of exercise.
To answer your question- sitting down to start a nebulizer treatment and realizing that the vials expired, or you took the wrong vials out of the drawer. Another example is remembering to carry my spacer for the inhaler when I go out. Dealing with daily therapeutic tasks is challenging but a sense of humor can keep you going forward. Have a great day! 😊
🕵️♀️🔎 Happy Scavenger Hunt Day, BronchandNTM360social! 🔎🕵️♂️
If you live with bronchiectasis or NTM — or care for someone who does — you already know that some days can feel like one big scavenger hunt. 😄
Searching for:
✅ Your nebulizer supplies
✅ The Aerobika or airway clearance device
✅ Pulse oximeter
✅ Inhaler you just had a second ago
✅ Saline vials rolling around somewhere
✅ Extra batteries
✅ The remote, your glasses, or your energy 😅
And somehow… the oxygen tubing always finds a way to wrap around absolutely everything.
So today, let’s turn it into a little fun for the community!
🎯 BronchandNTM360social Scavenger Hunt Challenge 🎯
How many of these can YOU find today?
☐ Nebulizer cup or tubing
☐ Saline vial
☐ Pulse ox
☐ Water bottle or favorite drink
☐ Airway clearance device
☐ Blanket for recovery/rest time
☐ A comfy “breathing spot” in the house
☐ A cough drop hidden somewhere unexpected
☐ A pet helping supervise your treatments 🐾
☐ Something that brings you comfort
☐ Someone who helps you keep going 💙
BONUS POINTS if:
😂 You’ve searched for your inhaler while it was in your pocket
😂 Your tubing tried to trip you today
😂 You found something in a completely random place and thought, “Well… there it is.”
😂 You’ve ever started a treatment and realized you forgot one important piece of equipment
Living with bronchiectasis or NTM comes with enough challenges already, so sometimes it’s good to laugh a little at the everyday moments we all understand around here. 💙
Drop a comment below:
👉 What’s the funniest thing you’ve had to search for lately?
👉 Or what’s the ONE thing in your treatment routine you can never seem to keep track of?
Let’s have a little fun with this one today, friends. 🔎💨
Welcome to BronchandNTM360social, Patricia JMJ.
Thank you for posting this, Brandon. It is such a warm and heartfelt message.
Welcome.....
🇺🇸
Heartfelt post Brandon!
Wishing everyone a pleasant holiday weekend. Katie
Patricia,
Hello! Welcome to the community. I am so glad you found us. Please scroll through our site and let us know if you have any specific questions. Katie
Hello! I am new to the community and look forward to learning and engaging with the group :)
Beautiful post- thank you Brandon!
Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful Memorial Day weekend!
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.
Community posts are monitored by the 360social Community Manager, as well as staff respiratory therapists, educators, and other medical professionals.