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BronchandNTM360social welcomes new member Corrine T who
joins 5,535 current members of our community.
We're glad you're here!
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Lots of AC this week for me!!!
Hello! Good news: Outdoor pools are now being considered being low risk for NTM due to the air quickly dissipating any NTM. Cooling off in an outdoor pool for individuals who enjoy outdoor pools is an option that should not produce high anxiety; we cannot live our lives in a bubble. I still would not stay outdoors for too long on severely humid days. Preventative measures for outdoor pool activities, to be on the super safe side include the latest recommendations by Dr. Joe Falkinham: doing a nebulizer session of 7% saline before and when you get home followed by a saline nasal rinse.
☀️ Summer is definitely turning up the heat this week!
Many areas are experiencing temperatures and humidity that can make breathing feel more challenging than usual. If you're living with bronchiectasis or NTM lung disease—or caring for someone who is—this is a good time for a gentle reminder to put your health first.
Heat and humidity can leave you feeling more short of breath, more fatigued, or make it harder to clear your airways. If your body is telling you to slow down, it's okay to listen. ❤️
A few simple reminders for the week:
💧 Stay hydrated throughout the day. Fluids can help support healthy mucus clearance and keep you feeling your best.
❄️ Stay cool whenever you can. Air conditioning, fans, or spending time indoors during the hottest part of the day can make a big difference.
🌳 If you need to be outside, try going early in the morning or later in the evening, and take advantage of shady spots.
🫁 Keep up with your airway clearance routine and take your medications as prescribed, even if the heat has you feeling less motivated.
💨 Pace yourself. Summer chores and errands can usually wait—your breathing can't.
🌡️ If your symptoms are worsening or something doesn't feel right, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare team.
🤝 Caregivers, remember that your well-being matters too. Taking a few minutes to cool down and recharge helps you care for others, too.
Remember, it's okay to let the weather set the pace. Taking it easy on the hottest days isn't falling behind—it's taking care of yourself.
💙 What's your favorite way to stay cool during the summer? Whether it's a cool drink, a favorite indoor activity, or a trick you've discovered for staying comfortable, share it below. Your tip might make someone else's day a little easier!
Hello everyone!
Our next BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break is Wednesday, July 8, 2026 @ 2:30pm EDT.
Joining us this month is Dr. George M. Solomon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, UAB Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine following up from his World Bronchiectasis Day (WBD) presentation “From Flare-Ups to Daily Life: Bronchiectasis Symptom Management.”
Dr. Solomon and his team will answer questions from the WBD presentation.
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!
Das 23,
I was going to be greedy as well but o followed Brandon’s rule of selecting one only, lol. I hope you have a happy Sunday! Katie
Tim,
Laughter is certainly the best medicine of all! I am sending you a virtual apple 🍎 pie 🥧. Katie
I'm greedy. I'll take them all--Especially the Nap😀✌️
Great post Brandon!
Can’t go wrong with any of these choices, but I’ll say more laughter. It’s joyful to hear people laughing. I also like pie. I know you’re talking about the mathematic pi, but it got me thinking about pie and now I’d like some!
Brandon,
Thank you for the interesting post! Happy Tau Day back to you! Honestly, if I had one wish it would be for more consistent energy levels. Wishing you and all members a good Sunday! 😍
☕ Happy Sunday, everyone!
Today happens to be Tau Day (6.28)!
Now, if you're wondering, "What in the world is Tau?" 😄 You're in good company.
Tau (τ) is a math constant that's twice the value of pi, which got us thinking...
If today is all about twice as much, let's have a little fun.
Things we'd happily take twice as much of...
💙 Good breathing days.
😊 Energy to do the things we enjoy.
😂 Reasons to laugh.
🤗 Encouragement from people who truly understand.
🌿 Comfortable weather for getting outside.
☕ A relaxing Sunday morning with a favorite drink.
Things we'll gladly leave at just one...
🫧 Airway clearance sessions that seem to take forever.
🥵 Hot, humid days.
🌬️ Smoke, pollen, and poor air quality.
😷 Unexpected flare-ups.
🩺 Extra appointments on the calendar.
🧺 The mountain of nebulizer cups and supplies waiting to be cleaned!
But if there is one thing we'd love to have twice as much of, it's this community.
Every question asked...
Every tip shared...
Every word of encouragement...
Every "I've been there too..."
...helps someone feel a little less alone.
That's what makes Bronch and NTM360social so special.
So let's have some Sunday fun...
If Tau Day could magically give you twice as much of ONE thing today, what would you choose?
💙 More energy?
🌸 More peaceful breathing?
😊 More laughter?
👨👩👧 More time with family?
🌞 More beautiful weather?
😴 Or maybe just one really great nap?
Whatever your answer, we're grateful you're here. Thank you for making this community a place where support, kindness, and hope are always multiplied.
Happy Sunday, everyone! 💙
Dawn Ellen,
You will somehow work it out tomorrow…I am so sorry that you are dealing with another infection and back on antibiotics. It is very frustrating and challenging to deal with another infection. Are you taking probiotics? Do you have access to a registered dietitian?
You are most welcome! I cannot honestly answer your question- the filters are supposed to clear out unwanted bacteria, mycobacteria - regular maintenance of the filter must be done. The only way that you absolutely know if there is mycobacteria in the line is to get a lab tests. There will be greater access to home testing of mycobacteria in water lines in the future- research is being conducted.
Time needed to boil water has been decreased to 3 minutes after the water starts to boil. I use this method on a daily basis; I no longer purchase bottled water.
Thank you! I'm wondering if using a filtering system like Apec, or the ones the hospitals use like Aqua Medix,etc.. do I still need to use distilled water for cleaning sinus rinse bottles and nebulizer parts?
Filters work on both water temperatures, not just cold water. Below is another link to top rated filtration systems: https://www.consumervoice.org/top-home-water-filtration-systems?gclid=&kw=home+water+filtration&cpn=606222947&adgroup=1344705289441821&loc_physical=58449&loc_interest=&matchtype=p&network=o&device=m&creative=&placement=&target=&adpos=&utm_source=bing&b_ref=41187c0906e91f8ef05616492745aa2b&msclkid=41187c0906e91f8ef05616492745aa2b&anura=0
Wishing you the best with your search.
I've just had another bout. I caught covid again which sent the NTM active & I was coughing up a lot of blood. Now its quietened down & the doc has me back on antibiotics again. This time it is Azithromycin, Amikacin, and Cefoxitin.
Now I'm back home & back to working out tomorrow.
Thanks so much! Is there no similar reference for a purifier under the sink that would take care of the cold water too?
After my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, it felt like our world was falling apart. With the guidance and care of Dr. Kokobi, we began to find hope again. My wife followed the treatment plan he provided, and over time her health has greatly improved. We are truly grateful to God for using him in her healing journey. I sincerely recommend kokobiherbalremedycentre@ gmail .com for his support, care, and dedication.
Hello! Below is a link to top under the sink water heaters; I am not allowed to endorse any particular company. A temperature of 140 will help eradicate mycobacteria but it maybe too hot for sensitive individuals such as small children or some of the elderly with very thin skin. https://plumbinglab.com/best-under-sink-hot-water-heaters-reviewed
https://acceleratenetzero.com/water-heater-140-degrees-safety-efficiency-practices/
I have just purchased Aqua Medix for my shower and kitchen sink, but want to cut off the pseudomonas at my bathroom sink also. My bathroom faucet doesn't have removable hardware. I need an under the sink unit to filter out or heat the water to over 140 degrees. Any suggestions?
Doctors are watching, monitoring patients for a period of time to observe their symptoms, checking any changes on cat scan, seeing if airway clearance is effective before prescribing multiple antibiotics. I don’t have any exact numbers on how many do not get placed on medications, but more monitoring is being done now than in the past. Ongoing research on this subject is being conducted.
Thank. I found them to read. Is it possible to assume that most people here eventually need medication for MAC?
Gale,
Hello! It is best practice to start one pill at a time to note any side effects. I recently posted information on these drugs ; if you scroll through the activity feed over the past few weeks you’ll find them. I hope that things go smoothly for you. Let me know if you have any specific questions.
Pharmacies are known for giving long patient instructions with each prescription that you purchase. Some healthcare professionals take the time to review potential adverse effects when prescribing medications; others do not. Many individuals can tolerate antibiotics, while others cannot. Drug tolerability is based on many factors- your healthcare provider must be informed of all current drugs and supplements that you are taking. Below is a basic review of things to be mindful of while taking Levofloxacin and Moxifloxacin.
Levofloxacin and Moxifloxacin can cause inflammation of tendons. If you experience “joint pain” while taking these medications, it is probably a sign of tendon inflammation, and the antibiotic should be stopped.
These drugs can also cause abnormalities in the heart conduction system, known as the prolonged QT interval. It is a good practice to have a baseline EKG in your medical files so you can use it for a comparison if you should experience any issues.
These drugs have a “caffeine effect” and can interfere with sleep. Reducing or eliminating caffeine while taking this drug will result in better sleep.
Do not take within 2 hours of dairy, antacids, or vitamin and calcium supplements.
Have you had a negative side effect with these drugs that you would like to share with the community?
Because of how sick I got , my scan and results of bronchoscopy he is starting me on the 3 medications, one very few weeks. I started the first one last week.
GaleC,
You are most welcome. I assume that your Pulmonologist is watching/ monitoring and waiting before prescribing multiple antibiotics since you mentioned that you have difficulty with these drugs. Do you have any specific question about a particular drug? We are here to support you.
Brandon,
Great post!!! Happy Friday back to you! I love the glasses 👓 on Jasmine, the name tag, her things to do list, lol. Thank you for the morning chuckle- laughter is the best medicine of all! Enjoy your day! 😊
🐾💙 Happy Friday, everyone! 💙🐶
Today is Take Your Dog to Work Day... although for many of us, our four-legged coworkers have been working from home with us all along! 🐕🐾
Whether they're reminding us it's time for a walk, keeping us company during treatments, supervising our work, or simply curling up beside us when we need a little extra comfort, our pets have a special way of making every day a little brighter. 🐶❤️
As another week comes to a close, we just wanted to say thank you for being such an important part of the Bronch and NTM360social community. 💙 The encouragement, kindness, and support you share with one another make this a place where no one has to face their journey alone.
We hope you have a chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy the weekend—maybe with your favorite furry friend by your side. 🦴☀️
From me and Jasmine, we hope you have a wonderful Friday and an even better weekend! Thank you for letting us be part of your journey! 💙🐾
Both. I was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis in 2012 after my first bout of pneumonia, and I have done great on only inhalers. I worked (and just retired) in an elementary school so caught many germs which has had me having pneumonia 3 times since 2012, but we usually caught it quickly. My MAC diagnosis was surprising since I had been doing great but it appears my fatigue and weight loss this school year was not being 65 years old. I got very ill in April and it ended up being MAC. I am extremely allergic to many antibiotics, etc and am anxious by nature. I really do trust my pulmonologist. I know knowledge helps me to process things. Thanks for reading!
Below is a link on nutrition. https://www.bronchandntm.org/For-Patients/Learn-More/Managing-Symptoms-and-Daily-Living/Nutrition
We will be hosting a special webinar for World Bronchiectasis Day next week, link is below. I hope that you can join us. https://social.bronchandntm.org/events/4
Gale C,
Hello! Welcome to the community. Regarding medications- do you have Bronchiectasis, NTM or both?
I am new to this diagnosis and would love to see how many usually do the medications and what can you suggest for nutrition tips? Any information or places to look on this site would be appreciated. I have not watched all the educational resources yet. Thank you!
In honor of World Bronchiectasis Day on July 1, 64 landmarks across the United States, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand will illuminate blue to raise awareness of bronchiectasis in the first “BE the Light” campaign.
I am so glad that your mom was able to get you the exercise you needed. Exercise and sports are so good for both our bodies and minds. I used to run long distance track as well until my first major respiratory issue when I was 30. I now walk on good days and I truly believe walking is great therapeutic medicine.
This is a great opportunity to send questions ahead of the session. Remember, knowledge is power! Knowledge enables you to ask the right questions and to work towards achieving the best possible healthcare outcomes.
New event added to the events calendar page! Check it our for a full list!
UNC Bronchiectasis & NTM Care and Research Center WBD Question and Answer Time
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM July 1, 2026 (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Details
Join the UNC Bronchiectasis & NTM Care and Research Center for a special Q&A webinar. The team will focus on answering questions submitted in advance.
Please email questions to Karen.Ellis@unchealth.unc.edu by noon on Monday, June 29 so there is time to review and prepare. Questions will not be taken live during the webinar due to time limits, so be sure to send them in as soon as possible.
**If you are unable to attend, the webinar will be recorded and shared with everyone who registers.
As a child with lung issues, low weight and sick often, my hometown country doctor told my mother to take me swimming as often as she could. The summer between 5th and 6th grade, she took me to the pool at least 3 times a week. It changed my life. By the end of summer I had gained weight, got stronger, started playing all sports, and later became a long distance runner. I can't swim laps anymore, but I still use the pool for exercise to help keep my lungs as strong as possible.
Brandon,
Happy Swim a Lap Day! I had never heard of this day of celebration before…
Most of us can swim a lap on our own; however we can swim much farther when we swim together, have some support, a community.
Thinking of my good days and all of the possibilities to feel better keeps me going on bad days. We learn to accept the bad days when we are less productive and we make the best of the good days, embracing them tightly and enjoying each moment.
World Bronchiectasis Day is one week away! Help us spread awareness on social media. Visit our profile on Facebook or LinkedIn, where you can scroll through recent posts. Click like, comment, and share to increase visibility and inform your friends and family about the impact of this chronic lung condition.
You can also sign up to receive our free toolkit, which includes images and descriptions you can post on your own social media account. Simply download the graphics, then copy and paste the text into your social media post.
The toolkit also includes information about World Bronchiectasis Day events, including free webinars hosted by the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association, along with our global partners. Learn more about symptom management, nutrition, and more while connecting with the worldwide bronchiectasis community.
Fill out this form to receive the free World Bronchiectasis Day 2026 toolkit in your email inbox: https://copdf.co/WBD-toolkit
🏊💙 Happy Swim a Lap Day! 💙🏊
Today is Swim a Lap Day, and while not everyone may be heading to a pool, the idea behind it feels especially meaningful.
A lap is simply moving from one side to the other. It doesn't have to be fast. It doesn't have to be perfect. It just means you're still moving forward.
Living with bronchiectasis or NTM can sometimes feel like swimming against the current. There are treatments to keep up with, appointments to attend, questions to ask, and days when things feel more challenging than we'd like.
But here's what I've learned:
Most of us can swim a lap on our own.
Together, we can swim much farther.
That's one of the things that makes this community so special. We celebrate together. We learn from one another. We encourage each other through the tougher days. We share our experiences, our successes, and sometimes our frustrations, knowing there are people here who truly understand.
Every question asked, every story shared, and every word of encouragement helps someone else keep moving forward.
So today, we'd love to hear from you:
💙 What helps keep you going when the water gets a little rough?
Thank you for being part of this community and for helping others along the way. We may all be swimming different laps, but we're stronger when we swim them together.
The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association joins nearly 30 patient advocacy organizations and professional societies around the world in recognizing the fifth annual World Bronchiectasis Day on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. World Bronchiectasis Day serves as a global call to action to increase awareness, improve education, and advance research and care for the hundreds of thousands of people living with bronchiectasis in the United States and more than one million people worldwide.
5644,
You are most welcome! Let us know if you have any other specific questions.
Thank you. Good information.
More information on inhalers in the link below: https://www.bronchandntm.org/For-Patients/Learn-More/Medications-and-Therapies/Medicines
Use a large-droplet showerhead, consider soaking it regularly in bleach to reduce bacteria, and run the exhaust fan to minimize steam inhalation.
Hello! Below is a list of companies that manufacture water filters:
Please check out their websites and let us know if you have a specific question.
Hello! Inhalers certainly work for many patients. Your healthcare provider may order inhalers based on your pulmonary function tests. Inhalers that include steroids/ corticosteroids are immune suppressants. Immune suppressants may increase the risk of getting a respiratory infection. These particular inhalers assist in lowering the inflammation and help patients breathe better. Your healthcare professionals will determine whether the risks of such drugs is less than the benefits of inhalers.
Brandon,
Great post! I used typewriters when I was in college…. if I made an error, I had to start the page over again or use white out ink. We now have access to typing and editing anything on a handheld cellphone.
The one line I would right is :
Learn as much about your health condition so you can determine if everything possible is being done correctly for you in order to live your best quality of life. 😍
Allyssa,
Thank you for posting the upcoming list of events for World Bronchiectasis Day! There are so many valuable educational programs to look forward to. Disease Specific Education empowers patients to ask their healthcare providers detailed questions about their health care plans.
Where would I look to see what others do for shower head replacements or cleaning and drinking water? Thank you!
Get Ready: World Bronchiectasis Day Is Almost Here!
World Bronchiectasis Day (WBD) is on July 1, and we are excited to partner with 30 global organizations to raise awareness about bronchiectasis.
This year, the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association will host three events:
- Bronchiectasis Management: From Guidelines to Patient Care at 12PM ET
- From Flare-Ups to Daily Life: Bronchiectasis Symptom Management at 2PM ET
- Nutrition & Bronchiectasis at 3:30 PM ET
For a full list of events and to register, visit the Events Calendar page. Events can be found under both the Association Events button and the Community Events button, where partner events are featured.
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.