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Eileen,

Hello! I am glad to read that you are having a good day today. :) Katie 

Thank you, Alyssa! You have made some excellent podcasts that can spark great discussions on topics that are on point, and so informative. Thank you for sharing!

Hi, feeling OKAY today ,hope you all have a good day,best wishes Eileen.

Das23, Hello! I am glad that you are checking the air quality index and pollen counts on a daily basis. Preventative measures are far easier to deal with than curative measures. :)

Alyssa, Hello! Thank you for adding your comments on the Air Quality Index and the Pollen Count apps. These subjects were covered in a different blog article. We appreciate any tips to breathe better throughout the spring and summer months. Following the tips will enable individuals with Bronchiectasis and NTM to have a better quality of life over the upcoming months.

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

I check the Pollen and Air Quality indexes every day this time of the year

This is valuable information, Katie! Another important point to note is the Air Quality Index (AQI) and the pollen index. AQI can directly impact individuals with bronchiectasis and NTM by increasing the frequency of exacerbations (flare-ups) and the risk of hospitalization. High AQI levels are often caused by pollutants, which can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation, irritating the airways and resulting in increased mucus production. You can check the AQI on your local news or by visiting AirNow.gov. The pollen index tracks pollen concentration, and for those with greater sensitivity, it can help you decide when it’s better to go outside versus staying in a well‑ventilated, filtered indoor environment. There are APPs for this as well as Pollen.com.

We are excited about the growth in the Bronchiectasis and NTM space. We always welcome your feedback on how we can assist you! If you need help finding something, please feel free to email me at alyssa@bronchandNTM.org. I'm happy to help!

If you would like to learn more listen to https://social.bronchandntm.org/resources/detail/37. Katie supplies us with some great tips!

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. 💙

We are so fortunate to have BNTM Care Centers throughout the country.  Limited options were available in the past, requiring patients to travel a distance by air and cover hotel expenses for extended stays.  The BNTM field has expanded greatly over the past decade and will continue to flourish in the future.

Hey there! We have a CCN Center in San Diego. I will link the site details page so you can see a list of the providers. UC San Diego. 

Does anybody have a pulmonologist in San Diego who they have found to be an expert in bronchiectasis? 

Brandon,

Thank you so much for the reminders. It is okay to occasionally have other than a balanced diet when you are exhausted, overwhelmed with medical appointments, therapies. Having support enables us to keep moving forward. We understand your challenges and are here for you. 

Change, adaptation to a new site does take a little time but we believe that we will be a more connected community as time goes forward. We are so happy that you have found us and we hope that you will check in regularly. 😍

Many Thanks for the information,best wishes Eileen.

Looking forward to this year's celebration! So many wonderful plans are being put into place for our global community. 

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

I am looking forward to the 5th annual World Bronchiectasis Day! We have come along way in the Bronchiectasis space over the past decade. World Bronchiectasis Day continues to increase public awareness, education on the subject and research opportunities. I hope that you will assist in spreading the word about World Bronchiectasis Day!  

Janh,

I fully understand. We do find out who our true friends, support system is over time. I got tired of explaining my situation to others and continued to socialize with only those who listened to me and understood that I was dealing with a chronic condition . These people understood that I was not contagious. We cannot fully social isolate ourselves since that can add  on to our current challenges. Social isolation can lead to greater angst. 

 Janh,

I am glad that coughing is a little less. Hopefully, you will experience more relief soon. 

Yes, vitamin A and other vitamins can be the cause of dry skin. Eucerin or other good quality skin lotions can lessen the dryness. 

Maybe have blood work drawn for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Medications can sometimes causes deficiencies in these areas. With that said, deficiencies in some of these areas can cause dry skin. 

This is great new information!!

I definitely think as a women it very much affects my social life. If I talk I get coughing and mucus. People stare and ask are you sick. I don’t like to discuss either everyone. So I find myself missing a lot. Miss cards going to lunch talking with people.

I have been on it for 4 months I have dry skin and have one reapirtory flareup. I agree mucus production not affected. Coughing a little less. 

A little information on reverse osmosis for those who are unfamiliar with this method:

• Studies indicate that properly functioning reverse osmosis systems can significantly reduce or eliminate NTM from water.
• The effectiveness can depend on the specific system design and maintenance.

• Regular maintenance and monitoring are crucial to ensure the system operates effectively and continues to remove contaminants.

Many thanks for the information,regards Eileen

Reverse Osmosis is how we filter our water,hope this helps 

Dry skin is treatable. Do you take a daily vitamin in case one of your vitamins maybe low as well?  

I realize that this update in boiling water may have some individuals questioning whether or not 3 minutes is adequate time to boil water after being accustomed to boiling water for 10-15 minutes. 
I have been boiling water for over 10 minutes for many years. This latest research on boiling water was done at 10 centers throughout the country.

I am adding 2 extra minutes for extra precautions, my personal preference. Five minutes is still far better than 10-15 minutes. 

I am noticing one side effect....... dry skin.  I began using OTC healing lotion which helps with that one.

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. 

Kalli,

Thsnk you for posting this great podcast on health equity. Everyone who has a diagnosis of Bronchiectasis and NTM deserves to be treated fairly regardless of their zip code. The expansion of the BNTM Care Center Network's intention is  to provide greater access to patients throughout the country. There is hope that more virtual visits will be possible in the future. 

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. 

Ellen,

You are most welcome! I fully understand the GI challenges- I have been there. GI issues can be very complicated- mixed views on how to treat. I am here to assist you on this part of the journey. 

Roberta,

Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience with our community. I am sorry that you had adverse reactions to Brinsupri. 

Working on it - just started seeing a new GI doc.  Thanks for your input.

I started talking it & developed headaches shortly after starting. I also had severe GI issues. Had anyone had this?

Please keep us posted Tim and good luck

Tim,

Hello! You are most welcome! I hope that you do see more results in time. I assume that you have discussed this with your Pulmonologist who has prescribed Brinsupri? 

Thanks for your reply.  I've been on it for about 10 weeks now.  Not sure what to expect in terms of results other than the claim that it will reduce flare ups.  I've noticed no side effects as yet, so that is good.  However, I cannot say it has reduced my daily symptoms (mucus, coughing, etc.) at all.  I am hoping someone else may be on it as well so I can hear their experience with Brinsupri.

Tim,

Below are the most frequently asked questions on Brinsupri: https://www.brinsupri.com/frequently-asked-questions/

Tim,

Hello! I haven’t taken Brinsupri yet but I have heard a lot of positive results recently. Brinsupri takes an average of 6 weeks or more to show results.