Activity Feed

My mom is care giver for her sister who has bronchiactesis, long standing, with bleeding from lungs. Now my mom has some symptoms of bleeding from lungs, etc, and doctor has diagnosed her with the disease. Is it possible that bronchiactesis is communicable, and can be passed to another individual?

💙 Hope Starts with Knowledge.

For individuals and caregivers living with BNTM, learning about clinical trials can lead to better outcomes by giving eligible participants access to promising investigational therapies under careful medical supervision.

Participation is always voluntary, and every study has specific eligibility criteria. The best first step is to talk with your healthcare team to see whether a clinical trial may be right for you.

Every breakthrough in medicine begins with people who choose to advance research. Patient involvement helps researchers better understand the disease, identify unmet needs, and develop treatments that reflect what matters most to those living with BNTM. Whether you participate or simply help spread awareness, you are contributing to a future filled with more hope and more treatment options.

Progress happens because of a community that shows up, supports one another, and believes that better treatments—and brighter tomorrows—are possible. Together, we're moving science forward—one step, one study, one patient at a time. I will be posting information on clinical trials and current trials throughout the week.  Please stay tuned and let us know if you have any specific questions on clinical trials.💙

Hello! I hope that you have been able to enjoy some beautiful summer days. Below is a link to a blog article on Summer Precautions for Bronchiectasis and NTM individuals. The article reviews water precautions- the latest update is to boil water for at least 3 minutes after it begins to boil. Please let us know if you have any questions.https://social.bronchandntm.org/articles/blog/Summer-Precautions-for-People-with-Bronchiectasis-and-NTM-Lung-Disease

💙 As a part of Therapeutic Recreation Week, it is recommended to get involved in your local community.  Living with bronchiectasis or NTM lung disease can sometimes feel isolating, but connecting with your community can help build friendships, purpose, and support.  Do make time for connection- other people will learn to understand you over time, and your need to cancel or postpone an event as needed.

✨ Ways to get involved in your local area:

✅ Volunteer with a local nonprofit or community organization

✅ Attend library events, workshops, or book clubs

✅ Participate in community recreation or wellness programs

✅ Visit local parks, community centers, or senior centers

✅ Connect with faith-based or civic organizations

✅ Attend health fairs and community education events

Remember, involvement doesn't have to be big to be meaningful. Whether it's attending a monthly meeting or volunteering for an hour, small connections can make a big difference. Community reminds us that we are stronger together. Every connection is an opportunity to learn, grow, and support one another.  Do you want to share your experience with a community group in your area?

SusuG,

Below is a video on the management of Acid Reflux. I hope that this information assists you. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lf_hSgJ21BY&ra=m#fauxfullscreen

SusuG,

Below is a link to Basic Nutrition for BNTM patients . Let us know if you have any questions.  https://www.bronchandntm.org/For-Patients/Learn-More/Managing-Symptoms-and-Daily-Living/Nutrition

SusuG,

Hello! Welcome to the community. Have you been doing regular airway clearance? Do you have an aerobica or Acapella device?

Are you staying with an anti reflux diet? Is your heading bed elevated at least 30 degree angle? 
Below is a link to Basic Nutrition for BNTM patients . Let us know if you have any questions.  https://www.bronchandntm.org/For-Patients/Learn-More/Managing-Symptoms-and-Daily-Living/Nutrition

Brandon,

Your pets are absolutely adorable. I no longer have a dog 🐶; my little Bischon Frisée , Rocco went to doggy heaven a few years ago. I miss him dearly- he was very intuitive.  Rocco would follow me around the house on days when I was not feeling well.

Healing is certainly found in true connection, and laughter. Being around an uplifting person who you truly connect with, makes you laugh is the best medicine of all. 😍

Just joined this group. I was diagnosed with BE a couple of years ago during a hospital stay for pneumonia. That year, I had about 4 bouts of pneumonia which I think contributed to my diagnosis. Prior to that I had coughing when i changed positions in bed or when I had a cold.  I was having lots of coughing and throat clearing at the time of my pneumonias. I think I have silent reflux, which makes it difficult to manage my BE. I’m starting to watch my diet a little more, taking reflux gourmet at night when I need it, and doing hypertonic 3% nebs twice a day. Any suggestions how to manage both issues? I’m 70, 4 grandkids and am pretty active. Thanks. 

☀️ Summer may bring some hot and humid days, but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop by any means! If you're spending time indoors to stay comfortable, it's a great opportunity to explore a new hobby, get creative, or revisit an old favorite. Here are a few places to spark your creativity and keep you engaged:

🎨 Michaels – The largest nationwide arts and crafts retailer, with supplies for painting, knitting, Cricut, floral, framing, and more. Find everything from painting and knitting supplies to Cricut materials, floral crafts, framing, and so much more. https://www.michaels.com/

🧶 Hobby Lobby –A large craft and home décor chain with a wide range of craft materials. Browse a wide selection of arts and crafts supplies, DIY projects, and home décor inspiration. https://www.hobbylobby.com/?msockid=0ca9b0b92ddf6727275ca33b29df6150

 🚂 HobbyTown – Perfect for model kits, RC vehicles, trains, tabletop games, puzzles, and other specialty hobbies.  https://www.hobbytown.com/

Whether you're creating something beautiful, building a model, or simply enjoying a relaxing afternoon with a favorite pastime, staying engaged can make indoor days just as enjoyable.  Do you have a favorite hobby that you would like to share with the community? 💙

I would add the gift of HOPE that inspires every individual on their BNTM journey to keep moving forward one step at a time. :)

Throughout National Therapeutic Recreation Week, we encourage our bronchiectasis and NTM community to look into courses that can improve their quality of life. Self-care means celebrating what I can do today, not comparing it to yesterday. 💙 I may need to pace myself, but indoor courses such as the one below help me stay connected to my personal/professional goals.

Coursera offers hundreds of free online courses across diverse subjects, with options to access course content and, in some cases, earn certificates at no cost. Coursera allows learners to start free courses in two main ways: by previewing the first module of many courses, which includes video lessons, readings, and graded assignments, or by starting a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. Check out the link below if you are interested in learning something new and exciting.  Have you attended any of the Coursera classes?

https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=free

➕ Here's a few of my own Bronch & NTM Math equations to get us started... 😊

☕ Morning coffee + Bronch & NTM360social = A great start to the day.

💙 BNTM360social + members who genuinely care = A community that reminds me none of us walks this journey alone.

💬 Asking one question + people who understand = Support, encouragement, and often a few great ideas to try.

🌅 One beautiful sunrise + a few quiet moments = A fresh perspective.

🐾 A furry friend + treatment time = The best little therapy buddy.

📖 Learning something new + sharing experiences = Confidence for the next step.

😊 One smile + one kind comment = A day that feels just a little brighter.

🤝 Giving encouragement + receiving encouragement = That's the kind of math that always adds up.

Now I'd love to see your Bronch & NTM equation! What would you add? ➕💙

https://housefresh.com/hepa-h13/

Pam,

Below is additional information on medical grade purifiers, that are more expensive than the average purifiers. If you scroll down, it explains how to choose the best purifier based on square footage. I hope this information helps you. Keep safe. 

Pam,

Hello! I am so sorry to read that the fires are getting worse. Below is a link to the top Heppa air purifiers. Each one comes with a description of the space they cover and more. https://www.consumerpicks.org/top-10/hepa-air-purifiers?msclkid=223b4f7c777212a6a63225315f6a894e

Dr. Solomon's great - I think the community is going to appreciate this one!

Brandon,

I absolutely love this post. Many of us type A personalities who attempt to keep on keeping on despite their challenges. After many years, and learning about The Acceptance and Commitment Theory, it is still challenging to admit and accept my limitations at times.  One of the lines in your that resonated with me was “I wish people understood that some days are harder than others.”  
I had written a blog article on this subject in the past:https://social.bronchandntm.org/articles/blog/Its-okay-not-to-be-okay-with-NTMBronchiectasis-Overcoming-fear-related-to-being-diagnosed-and-dealing-with-an-ongoing-chronic-diagnosis

I hope you have a good day! 😊

The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association announced today that research leveraging data from the Bronchiectasis and NTM Research Registry was featured in four abstracts presented at the World Bronchiectasis Conference, held June 24-27, 2026, in Hannover, Germany.

As of today July 7, 2026, the fires are getting worse in Colorado, affecting air quality. Should a person with bronchiectasis utilize an indoor air filter? If  so, could you give any recommendations as to what to look for when purchasing one? Perhaps size, one that covers only one room or a large area, type of HEPA filter? 

Hi Stevm.

This is a good question! I am glad that you brought it up. What we have heard is that there is a lower prevalence of NTM in states like North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana; however, I say that with a caveat. It could be that we don't have enough data from those states to accurately measure the prevalence (not to mention that it may be hard to find expert care in those states as well). As Katie mentioned, there are various types of NTM everywhere. However, if living in Washington doesn't seem to be positively affecting your health, I can understand wanting to relocate. Are you being seen by a provider at a CCN center now? Just curious.

Living with bronchiectasis or NTM lung disease doesn't mean putting fun on hold. Indoor activities can help support physical, mental, and emotional well-being while providing opportunities for relaxation and connection. We are reminded throughout National Therapeutic Recreation Week that staying active indoors can help support strength, flexibility, and overall well-being.

🏡 Indoor Activity Ideas:

✅ Chair yoga or gentle stretching

✅ Deep breathing and mindfulness exercises

✅ Arts and crafts, painting, or coloring

✅ Reading or joining a virtual book club

✅ Puzzles, crosswords, and brain games

✅ Indoor gardening with houseplants or herbs

✅ Cooking or trying a new healthy recipe

✅ Music, dancing, or learning an instrument

✅ Take short walking breaks around your home throughout the day

✅ Stretch gently in the morning or before bed

✅ Try chair exercises or low-impact fitness routines

✅ Use household chores as opportunities to stay active

✅ Set small, realistic movement goals each day

✅ Stay connected through virtual classes or support groups

✅ Listen to your body and pace yourself as needed

Every movement matters. Even a few minutes of activity can make a positive difference in your day.✨ Celebrate what your body can do.  Every activity is a chance to connect, move, create, and recharge. Staying active indoors helps me maintain both my physical and emotional health. It's one of the ways I take care of myself while living with BNTM lung disease. 💙 Which of the above indoor activities brings you joy?

A new week, a new beginning. We have a lot to be grateful for after listening to all of the activities conducted over the past week for World Bronchiectasis Day!  Increased public awareness, research is definitely something to get excited about.

Doing airway clearance can get old at times for many people; I am committed to do airway clearance regularly this week, especially through the summer months of increased humidity. 
The Acceptance and Commitment Theory in psychology reminds us that we must accept where we are and commit ourselves to practices that enable us to keep moving forward. 
I hope that you have a good week ahead!😍

National Therapeutic Recreation Week in 2026 is observed from July 5th to July 11th. National Therapeutic Recreation Week has been celebrated annually since its establishment in 1984 by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society. The week is dedicated to raising awareness of therapeutic recreation programs and services, which aim to improve the health and well-being of individuals with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Diversional recreation activities assist us to go forward and to make the best of every day. We encourage our bronchiectasis and NTM community to share recreational activities that help you feel your best. Please comment below.

🇺🇸

Happy July 4th to all of our members. We hope that you are having a good day! 

Pam,

You are most welcome! I am so glad to see you back on the site. I hope you have a good 4th of July weekend! 😍

Thank you, Katie, for informing us, for guiding us, and for reminding us to take care of ourselves and our health.

Looking forward to attending the coffee break next Wednesday. I hope that you are able to join us. 

🌞 July has arrived, kicking off with a very active World Bronchiectasis Day yesterday. As the summer heat rises, so does our commitment to caring for ourselves and one another in the Bronchiectasis and NTM community. For those living with Bronchiectasis or NTM lung disease, rising temperatures can bring extra challenges.

🌞 July Heat & Lung Health Reminders:

💧 Hydrate often, even before you feel thirsty. Staying well hydrated helps thin mucus.

🌤️ Protect your lungs from heat, humidity, and poor air quality.

✔️Avoid outdoor exertion during peak heat (10 am–4 pm). Avoid hot, humid air.

✔️ Check local air quality before going outside; check the dew point numbers.

✔️ Use air conditioning or cooling centers when possible

🌬️ 🩺 Stay consistent with care routines- keep up with airway clearance.💙 Permit yourself to rest as needed

Small daily choices can help protect your lungs during the summer heat. If symptoms increase—more coughing, fatigue, or breathlessness—reach out to your healthcare provider early. Throughout the month, the BNTM Activity Feed will focus on therapeutic recreation ideas, clinical research, and a review of summer weather conditions. Stay cool and stay kind to your body this July. 💙 Here’s to a July filled with strength, gentleness, and resilience.

Das23,

Thank you for your comments. The BNTM community is certainly making huge gains and will continue to do so, going forward.:)

Alyssa and Katie---Great posts--Thanks---We have to do the best we can!!!!👍

And we ARE making progress

SteveM,

You are most welcome! You are not alone on the journey; many of  us have been in the same situation. We are here for you as needed. Have a pleasant holiday weekend. Katie 

Thanks for the response. 

Have a Great Holiday Weekend.

This is going to be a great event in honor of World Bronchiectasis Day!

I can truly understand why some individuals do not want to celebrate this day. It is not uplifting to deal with any medical chronic condition.  However, we must look at the bright side of this day- our voices are being heard, increasing awareness is happening, and more research and treatments will be due to the result of this global day.

SteveM,

Hello! I am sorry to read about your current challenges.  I feel your frustration with repeat infections and the exhaustion one experiences.  Unfortunately, I cannot recommend a perfect place to live.  I looked into this for myself years ago.  It seems that there is a different type of NTM in the various regions of the USA.  No place is absolutely safe since NTMs are basically everywhere: some places have a higher concentration of NTM than others. Years ago, the Colorado area was a safer place, but shrubbery products from the East Coast changed that.  

We understand what it is like to feel depressed and frustrated. However, moving to a new place, giving up your local familiarity and support, can also add a layer of stress to your current stressors. In addition to the community support you receive here on BronchiectasisandNTM360, you can call one of our Patient Ambassadors directly by phone 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.  Hold onto HOPE. 

Hello! As the outdoor temperature rises, so does the chances of getting a heat related illness. Knowing how to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and what to do can protect you and those around you is of utmost importance.The blog article below reviews heat exhaustion, heat stroke and treatments. Please let us know if you have any questions. Keep cool 😎. https://social.bronchandntm.org/articles/blog/Heat-Stroke-and-the-NTM-Bronchiectasis-Patient

Hi Everyone, 

Just wondering if there is a better climate to live in for people with bronchiectasis. I was diagnosed with it 20 years ago. Since then I have gotten Mac and Abscesses. I am clear of the Abscesses but might have Mac again. I grew up in Louisiana but moved to Western Washington 20 years ago. I cough all the time. I can't seem to stop it these days. It is wearing me out. I am exhausted and getting depressed. 

I'm wondering if a change of climate would do me some good. I never liked the weather here. I wonder if New Mexico would be better for me. 

I like to be active and outdoors. I have horses and dogs. I like to bike and hike. 

Any thoughts out there? 

Tomorrow, July 1st, we celebrate World Bronchiectasis Day. As I reflect on this special day, I can't help but think about how much has changed over the last 10 years. A decade ago, hardly anyone had even heard the word bronchiectasis. Many of us felt alone, misunderstood, and searched endlessly for answers. Today, because of patients, caregivers, researchers, physicians, and advocates around the world, there is real momentum—and real hope.

I had the privilege of attending the recent World Bronchiectasis Conference in Germany virtually. Listening to the brilliant presentations from experts across the globe reminded me that we are living in an exciting time. The passion, collaboration, and dedication to improving our lives were inspiring.

This year marks the 5th World Bronchiectasis Day, and more than 30 organizations around the world are coming together to raise awareness and give a stronger voice to our community.

Just think about how far we've come. 

We have increased awareness around the world. We have a growing network of specialized Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Centers throughout the United States. We now have Brinsupri, the first medication developed specifically for bronchiectasis. And for the first time, we're even seeing television commercials on bronchiectasis, featuring Ty Pennington reminding people that our lungs are the foundation of our health—just as the foundation is to a home.

I hope you are feeling well today. If not, I want you to hold on to Hope, realizing that more research is underway and many new treatments are around the corner. I made it through some of my most difficult respiratory challenges. Believe that better days are possible. You are stronger than you think, and you are not walking this journey alone.

Research is moving forward. New treatments are on the horizon. Together, we are building a future where bronchiectasis is recognized earlier, treated better, and one day, perhaps even prevented. I hope you'll be able to join one or more of the World Bronchiectasis Day events tomorrow as we continue to raise awareness, support one another, and look toward an even brighter future. https://social.bronchandntm.org/events
Happy World Bronchiectasis Day Eve! :)