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Hello! Living with BNTM can bring moments of stress—but small,
intentional steps can make a big difference. 💙
A few of the many things that can cause stress may include- things
not going your way, things not going the way they “should”, misperceptions,
frustrations with your healthcare professionals’ office/ managing your own healthcare,
taking things personally, and so much more. A few tips on managing these
stressors include the following:
✨Breathe deeply: Even 3–5 slow breaths
can calm your nervous system
✨Create a daily “quiet pocket”: A
few minutes of stillness, or mindfulness
✨Gentle movement: Stretching or a
short walk can ease both body and mind
✨Stay connected: You’re not alone—reach
out to someone who understands
✨Celebrate small wins: Every airway
clearance, every push to the next appointment, and each step forward in the
right direction matters. Stress doesn’t define your journey—your resilience does.
One calm moment at a time. Would you like to share some of your stress management
tips with our BNTM community?
Hello! Living with BNTM can bring moments of stress—but
small, intentional steps can make a big difference. 💙
A few of the many things that can cause stress may include-
things not going your way, things not going the way they “should”,
misperceptions, frustrations with your healthcare professionals’ office/ managing your own
healthcare, taking things personally, and so much more. A few tips on managing
these stressors include the following:
✨Breathe deeply: Even 3–5 slow
breaths can calm your nervous system
✨Create a daily “quiet pocket”: A
few minutes of stillness, or mindfulness
✨Gentle movement: Stretching or a
short walk can ease both body and mind
✨Stay connected: You’re not
alone—reach out to someone who understands
✨Celebrate small wins: Every
airway clearance, every push to the next appointment, and each step forward in
the right direction matters. Stress doesn’t define your journey—your resilience
does. One calm moment at a time. Would you like to share some of your stress
management tips with our BNTM community?
Hello! Living
with BNTM can bring moments of stress—but small, intentional steps can make a
big difference. 💙
A few of the many things that
can cause stress may include- things not going your way, things not going
the way they “should”, misperceptions, frustrations with your healthcare professionals’
office/ managing your own healthcare, taking things personally, and so much
more. A few tips on managing these
stressors include the following:
✨
Breathe deeply: Even 3–5 slow breaths can calm your nervous system
✨
Create a daily “quiet pocket”: A few minutes of stillness, or mindfulness
✨
Gentle movement: Stretching or a short walk can ease both body and mind
✨
Stay connected: You’re not alone—reach out to someone who understands
✨
Celebrate small wins: Every airway clearance, every push to the next
appointment, and each step forward in the right direction matters. Stress
doesn’t define your journey—your resilience does. One calm moment at a
time. Would you like to share some of your stress management tips with
our BNTM community?
Hello! Do you have a used vehicle that you no longer need? Your vehicle can help support something meaningful.
Donate your car, truck, or SUV to the COPD Foundation and help accelerate our work to create a better future for those living with chronic lung disease.
Free pick-up. Easy process.
🚗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gfKUcXcZ
Sometimes we hear the word depression and think it just means feeling sad.
But it can feel more like a quiet heaviness that doesn’t lift…
Going through the day without really feeling in it, or being tired in a way rest doesn’t fix.
If you’ve felt that before, you’re not alone.
Living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, or other lung conditions — and caregiving — can take a toll in ways we don’t always talk about.
What to watch for:
• Feeling down, empty, or hopeless
• Losing interest in things you once enjoyed
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Low energy or trouble focusing
• Pulling away from others or feeling alone
• Being harder on yourself than you’d ever be on someone else
Sometimes it doesn’t look like sadness — it can just feel “off.”
How we can help each other:
• A simple “I’m thinking of you” can mean more than you know
• Listening without trying to fix helps people feel seen
• Sitting together — even quietly — can ease the weight
• Gently encouraging support when needed is a sign of care
• Reminding each other that we matter — especially on the hard days
And if this feels close to home for you…
Be gentle with yourself. Truly.
Don’t ignore how you’re feeling — it matters.
Some days, just getting through is more than enough.
Please, if you’re feeling this way — talk to someone.
There is no shame in asking for help. It’s part of living your better life.
We are a community here, and you matter.
You are not a burden.
You are not alone.
And you don’t have to carry it quietly here.
What’s one small thing that helps lift you, even just a little? 💙
Together we could create a brighter future for people living with bronchiectasis. We’re looking for adults to join The AIRTIVITY® Study to see if an investigational medicine – designed to target the harmful inflammation that contributes to bronchiectasis – can help improve the lives of people living with the condition.
Join the movement – to find out how to take part, please contact the study team, visit theairtivitystudy.com
http://airtivity.researchstudytrial.com/?utm_source=patient_advocacy_group&utm_medium=Bronch_NTM_newsletter&utm_campaign=patient_recruitment&r=16
Together we could create a brighter future for people living with bronchiectasis We’re looking for adults to join The AIRTIVITY® Study to see if an investigational medicine – designed to target the harmful inflammation that contributes to bronchiectasis – can help improve the lives of people living with the condition.
Join the movement – to find out how to take part, please contact the study team, visit theairtivitystudy.com http://airtivity.researchstudytrial.com/?utm_source=patient_advocacy_group&utm_medium=Bronch_NTM_newsletter&utm_campaign=patient_recruitment&r=16
Together we could create a brighter future for people living with bronchiectasis We’re looking for adults to join The AIRTIVITY®Study to see if an investigational medicine – designed to target the harmful inflammation that contributes to bronchiectasis – can
Join the movement – to find out how to take part, please contact the study team, visit theairtivitystudy.com
http://airtivity.researchstudytrial.com/?utm_source=patient_advocacy_group&utm_medium=Bronch_NTM_newsletter&utm_campaign=patient_recruitment&r=16
Together we could create a brighter future for people
living with bronchiectasis
We’re looking for adults to join The AIRTIVITY®
Study to see
if an investigational medicine – designed to target the
harmful inflammation that contributes to bronchiectasis –
can
help improve the lives of people living with the condition.
[CTA]
Join the movement – to find out how to take part, please
contact the study team, visit theairtivitystudy.com
airtivity.researchstudytrial.com?utm_source=patient_advocacy_group&utm_medium=Bronch_NTM_newsletter&utm_campaign=patient_recruitment&r=16
🌿 “The Little Things That Help” Check-In (Bronchiectasis & NTM Edition)
With bronchiectasis or NTM, so much of the day can revolve around routines… treatments… pacing yourself… and figuring out what helps you feel just a little bit better.
And often, it’s the small things that make the biggest difference.
Maybe it’s:
A tip that helps with airway clearance
A way you time your treatments that works better for you
Something that helps when the cough or fatigue is heavier
A comfort, routine, or “go-to” that helps you reset
💬 What’s one small thing that helps you get through the day?
If you’re a caregiver or supporting someone, we’d love to hear from you too—what have you found helps?
Sometimes the smallest ideas turn into the biggest support for someone else reading along.
✨ Gentle reminder: If you’re noticing changes—more cough, fatigue, or anything that feels different than your usual—it’s always a good idea to check in with your care team and lean on your action plan if you have one.
Hello! Stress is common amongst everyone throughout their lives, but it is compounded by having a chronic condition. Below is a blog article, written by Jane Martin, BA, LRT, CRT, offering some advice on managing stress in our daily lives: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/92/Managing-Stress-with-Bronchiectasis-and-NTM
Hello! Stress is common amongst everyone throughout their lives but it is compounded by having a chronic condition. Below is a blog article, written by Jane Martin, offering some advice on managing stress in our daily lives: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/92/Managing-Stress-with-Bronchiectasis-and-NTM
Hello! How are you dealing with the stress of having a medical condition? BNTM are mostly invisible disorders that are misunderstood by others. Below is an article on Stress Management Tips , from the Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/6392-stress-coping-with-lifes-stressors
Let me know if any of their tips hit home with you or if you have any questions.
Happy Easter to all who celebrate this holiday! 🐇🐰🐣 Tis a season of a new beginning, a season of hope. I hope you enjoy this special day whether you are with family, friends or on your own.
Happy Passover to everyone who celebrates this holiday. Enjoy your celebrations.
🌷 A Little Spring, A Little Reflection 🌷
As Easter weekend arrives, this time of year has a way of bringing back memories—moments spent with family, traditions that made us smile, and the connections that have stayed with us over the years.
Even if things look a little different now, those memories still carry something special… a sense of hope, of fresh starts, and of finding light in the little things.
And just like that, we begin to see it around us again.
Even if winter is still holding on in some places, there are signs… a few blooms pushing through, longer days, a bit more light finding its way in.
It’s a gentle reminder that change doesn’t always come all at once—but it does come.
For many of us, this weekend is also about those simple moments—time with family, a call to someone we’ve been thinking about, or just sitting quietly and taking in a bit of fresh air.
Maybe today is a good day to:
🌼 Step outside and soak in a little spring
📞 Reach out to someone who’s been on your mind
🐾 Or just enjoy a small moment that makes you smile
Wherever you are, and whatever this weekend looks like for you, we hope you can find a little bit of that “fresh start” feeling in your own way.
💬 What’s something—past or present—that brings you a sense of hope this time of year?
Living with Bronchiectasis NTM can bring daily stress—but small moments of spiritual connection can make a meaningful difference. Spirituality can be a powerful tool in the toolbox for lowering stress. Spirituality can improve how individuals cope both emotionally and physically. • A quiet prayer or moment of reflection can calm your breathing
• Trusting in something greater can ease fear and uncertainty
• Slowing down your breath helps your body shift into healing mode
• You are not alone—connection within a community brings strength.
Hello everyone!
Our next BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break is Wednesday, April 8, 2026 @ 2:30pm EDT.
Joining us this month is Dr. Christopher Richards, MD. to discuss the relationship between Cystic Fibrosis and non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis. There have been many developments in both areas recently, and these developments may affect how we are treated in the future. Dr. Richards is an Instructor in Medicine at MGH-BIDMC Harvard Pulmonary & Critical Care Fellowship Program.
Dr. Richards has a large and active sub-specialty practice in the management of adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF), non-CF bronchiectasis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary infections. He is a fellow of the CF Foundation (CFF) and a member of the Program for Adult Care Excellence at the CFF. He is a site Principal Investigator on several multi-center industry sponsored clinical trials in CFTR modulator therapy as well as studies from the CFF on outcomes in CF. Dr. Richards has written reviews and case studies in the management of NTM infections in CF and is a local expert in this area.
https://www.pulmonaryfellowship.hms.harvard.edu/christopher-j-richards-md
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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclcuusrDMpG9PrF3BDUA2nw2csTkQsg7EG#/registration
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Research is currently being conducted on the benefits of normal saline in BNTM patients. We will keep you updated.
Hello! Many Pulmonologist encourage their patients to use it, others do not. I am just glad that it is not a very expensive item , in comparison to the cost of other medicines used for BNTM.
Hi all, After lengthy research, I found out that Sodium Chloride 7% inhalant solution is NOT FDA approved to treat Bronchiectasis. This makes it's use "off label" although commonly used for airway clearance. It's status as off label means not covered by Medicare Parr B. It may be approved for other conditions, but not for bronchiectasis.
Hello! I hope that you were not the recipient of a bad prank today.🤗
Hello! I hope that you were not the recipient of a bad prank today.
Hello! I hope that you were not the recipient of a bad prank today.
Hello! Below are 90 inspirational quotes for the month of April : https://www.positivityblog.com/april-quotes/
Please comment with your favorite quote.😍👋 Thank you!
Hello, April! 🌸A new month brings fresh air, longer days, more sunshine. Hopefully, you will be able to get out and about more for a walk or whatever outdoor activity you enjoy.
Let us support one another and step forward on our healing journeys. May you continue to show strength in ways that often go unseen. April is a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be huge to be real. Every small choice for your health, every moment you choose to keep going… it all counts. You are not alone in this—we’re walking this path together with hope in our hearts . 💙
Throughout this month, we will focus on symptom management, stress management and sleep hygiene.
Here’s to a month of steady progress, renewed motivation, and gentle victories.
Doing OK today but have to be on O2 24/7.
Hi,Iam in the U.K . I do speedy walking around the sea front ,ending in a slow run up 50 steps, twice a day, for around 10 years, what caused the problem was being sent by my then doctor for a C.T. Scan with Contrast , I continue do speedy walking. I was not given any information regarding the scan, sent to my computer,not at the local Hospital but at a Community Diagnostic Centre. Came out of the scan in terrible condition ,then diagnosed with Bronchiectasis. I am determined to keep on walking !, Best Wishes Eileen.
Please do share this information with your local doctors to assist in the development of a BNTM Care Center Network in your local area. <br />The creation of the BNTM Care Center Network is such a gift for BNTM patients throughout the USA. These centers will provide access to the most experienced BNTM physicians and the best treatment protocols. Quality of life will be enhanced by having a local center available, rather than traveling a great distance when one is not feeling well.
Hello! Safety and preventive measures are much easier to
address than curative measures.
BNTM DAILY SAFETY CHECKLIST
✅ Airway Clearance ☐
Completed airway clearance. Used proper technique (not rushed)
☐ Noted any change in sputum (color,
amount, thickness)
Equipment Hygiene ☐ Washed nebulizer/devices after
use ☐ Air dried completely
☐ Disinfected (as scheduled)
Hydration & Nutrition ☐
Drank enough fluids today
☐ Ate balanced, nourishing
meals. Noted any early fullness or appetite changes
Environment Awareness ☐ Avoided dust/construction exposure.
Took precautions with soil or gardening (mask/gloves) ☐
Limited exposure to steam, hot tubs, or aerosolized water
💊 Medication Safety ☐
Took medications as prescribed ☐ Noticed any side effects and reported
concerns as needed
😴 Rest & Energy Balance
☐ Balanced activity with rest ☐
Avoided overexertion. Listened to body signals
Reflux / Aspiration Prevention ☐
Avoided eating 2–3 hours before bed
☐ Elevated head of bed ☐
Noted throat clearing or morning cough
Symptom Monitoring ☐ Worsening cough, significant
increase in sputum, fever, and energy levels❤
Emotional Well-Being ☐ Checked in with mood/stress ☐
Connected with someone (text,call, support group) ☐
Practiced a calming activity
CALL YOUR PROVIDER IF: Symptoms worsen for 3–5 days, with noticeable
breathing decline, or new chest discomfort.
Consistency = Protection. Small daily actions help prevent big
setbacks 💙
Safety and preventive measures
are much easier to address than curative measures.
BNTM DAILY SAFETY
CHECKLIST
✅ Airway Clearance
☐ Completed airway clearance.
Used proper technique (not rushed)
☐ Noted any change in sputum
(color, amount, thickness)
Equipment Hygiene
☐ Washed nebulizer/devices after
use ☐ Air dried completely
☐ Disinfected (as scheduled)
Hydration &
Nutrition
☐ Drank enough fluids today
☐ Ate balanced, nourishing meals.
Noted any early fullness or appetite changes
Environment Awareness
☐ Avoided dust/construction
exposure. Took precautions with soil or gardening (mask/gloves)
☐ Limited exposure to steam, hot
tubs, or aerosolized water
💊 Medication Safety
☐ Took medications as prescribed
☐ Noticed any side effects and reported
concerns as needed
😴
Rest & Energy
Balance
☐ Balanced activity with rest ☐ Avoided overexertion. listened
to body signals
🛏️
Reflux / Aspiration
Prevention
☐ Avoided eating 2–3 hours
before bed
☐ Elevated head of bed ☐ Noted throat clearing or
morning cough
🚨
Symptom Monitoring
☐ Worsening cough, significant
increase in sputum, fever, and energy levels
❤
Emotional Well-Being
☐ Checked in with mood/stress ☐ Connected with someone (text,
call, support group)
☐ Practiced a calming activity
CALL YOUR PROVIDER IF:
☐ Symptoms worsen for 3–5 days, with
noticeable breathing decline, or new chest discomfort. Consistency = Protection. Small daily actions help prevent
big setbacks 💙
Hello! Do you have a car you no longer need? Turn it into something truly meaningful. Give your old car 🚗 a new purpose.
Put Hope in the Driver’s Seat with the COPD Foundation Vehicle Donation Program. Your generosity directly empowers the COPD Foundation’s efforts to support groundbreaking research, increase public awareness, educate patients, caregivers, and medical professionals, and advocate for the more than 350 million people worldwide affected by chronic lung diseases. Donate your vehicle to COPD Foundation by simply completing the form in the link and we'll reach out to you to arrange the pick-up of your vehicle donation, at no cost to you. You may qualify for a tax deduction while supporting a cause that is near and dear to your heart https://copdfoundation.careasy.org/
Easy Process | Free Towing
Tax Benefits
Hello! Happy National Doctors Day! We are so grateful to the doctors who have dedicated their careers to assist BNTM patients. The core group of BNTM doctors are committed to assist with the development of new drugs and treatments to improve the quality of our lives.
These last days of March… can you feel the shift? 🌷
Longer days, changing weather, a little more time outside… and for many living with COPD, bronchiectasis, or NTM, this time of year can bring a mix of good days and a few surprises too.
So today, let’s do a quick check-in together—something simple, but really important:
👉 Have you noticed any small changes in your breathing this week?
Sometimes it’s easy to brush things off as “just allergies” or “just the weather,” but those early changes can be your body’s way of asking for a little extra attention.
Things like:
• Feeling a bit more short of breath than usual
• Needing your rescue inhaler more often
• A change in cough or mucus
• Feeling more tired than your normal
And for those living with bronchiectasis…
👉 Have your airway clearance routines felt a little harder lately?
Are you needing a bit more time, or not getting the same results you usually do?
That can be an important signal too.
💡 This is a great time to:
• Take a quick look at your action plan
• Stay consistent with your routines
• And don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor if something feels off
Catching those changes early can make a big difference.
And just as important…
👉 What’s one small win or bright spot you’ve had these past few days?
Maybe a steady breathing day, a short walk, a good laugh, or a quiet moment with someone—or something—you love 🐾
I’ll start—there’s something about these last days of March that makes me want to slow down just enough to notice the little things… and to listen when your body whispers, not just when it shouts.
Your turn—what are you noticing, and what’s been a bright spot for you? 💙
Hello! Are you interested in watching a great YouTube video on demographics, difficult-to-treat infections, exacerbations, hemoptysis, and more? This video is presented by the BNTM Association and Patient Care and Partner Webinar, Southeast Consortium/ Emory University, Dr. Colin Swenson, and other healthcare professionals.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0Uie7GwJ-GA
Let us know if you have any specific questions.
Are you interested in watching a great YouTube video on exacerbations and more? This video is presented by BNTM Association and Patient Care and Partner Network, Southeast Network https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0Uie7GwJ-GA
Let us know if you have any specific questions.
Hello! Are you planning on traveling for the upcoming holidays? Below is some information that will assist you with your planning: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Travel
Unfortunately, TSA issues continue. Please pack adequate or extra supplies in the event of delays. Wishing you a good and safe trip.
DAJ,
Hello! Thank you for sharing positive news of a potential new drug to treat Pseudomonas. I hope the drug continues to show positive results in the remainder of this clinical trial.
BiomX just dropped a study for a drug to treat Pseudomonas, which was disappointing, but Clarametyx is now also working on clinical trials for a drug to treat Pseudomonas in the lung. Here is a link from a recent news release if you haven't seen it.
Windy,
Hello! Welcome to the community. You can purchase saline online on Amazon, priced at $29.00 per box, or at stores like Walmart.. There are several different brands posted on Amazon in a similar price range.
Hi all, Just had a Bronchiectasis flare a couple of weeks ago. I am on Albuterol via nebulizer. Pulmonologist also said use Sodium Chloride 7% solution for nebulizer 1-2 times a day to help thin mucus. Medicare Part B rejected the Sodium Chloride. Pharmacist said she has only had one person get Part B to cover it when the patient is on a maintenance respiratory drug such as a steroid. Otherwise the doctor office said I just have to pay out of pocket for the Sodium Chloride. Medicare has been absolutely no help answering any questions. What has been your experience in getting this? Very frustrating for sure.
Hello all! On March 18, we had 54 COPD and bronchiectasis patients, caregivers, loved ones, healthcare providers, and COPD Foundation and Bronchiectasis and NTM Association team members join us for IMPACT Lung Health 2026 in Washington, D.C. to advocate for support of our policy priorities from our lawmakers. Together, we held 101 meetings with legislative offices representing 28 states, 56 Senate districts, and 45 House districts. Bronchiectasis and NTM Association advocates spoke with lawmakers about four critical priorities:
- Support the Development of New Bronchiectasis Treatment Approaches through FY27 Appropriations Provisions
- Increase Funding for Lung Health Research and Promote Innovative Treatments through FY27 Appropriations Provisions
- Co-sponsor the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act (H.R.2902 or S.1406) to Ensure Medicare Patients have Access to Essential Oxygen Therapy
- Co-sponsor H.R.783 or S.240 to Enact Permanent Medicare Coverage for Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation
We are incredibly proud of our team of advocates and the progress we made together for lung health in Washington, D.C.! If you'd like to virtually support IMPACT 2026, you can urge your lawmakers to support our policy priorities by visiting our Advocacy Action Center: https://www.votervoice.net/COPD/Campaigns/135958/Respond
We want to extend a special thank-you to our sponsors who made IMPACT 2026 possible! Thank you Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi USA, Inc., Insmed Incorporated, Sanofi/Regeneron, Theravance Biopharma US, Inc., and Viatris. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Interesting new read today from the COPD Foundation on Pseudomonas in people with non CF bronchiectasis and chronic rhinosinusitis:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Bronchiectasis | Journal of the COPD Foundation
not sure if that will open the link, but if it doesn't and you're interested, easy to search it.
Have a great day,
Ncares,
You are most welcome! We are here to assist you on this BNTM journey.
Katie, thank you for looking into this.
Sleep is an essential part of the healing process. Sleep provides restoration within our bodies. It impacts our ability to perform our daily tasks such as airway clearance, treatments, preparation of highly dense nutritious foods , energy to exercise and so much more. The blog article below reviews the basics of sleep, including the different phases of the sleep cycle. Please share your experiences and tips for a better night’s sleep with the community. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/150/Sleep-and-Healing-for-NTMBronchiectasis-Patients
Das23,
You are most welcome! The comments above is what basic online research says, it is challenging to analyze every product that we encounter of whether or not the specific product can increase the chances of NTM. The researchers have studied toothbrushes, other household items but not enough research has been published for our community to fully understand what’s a potential risk and what is not. They are currently researching more on water products, bottles, samples and more.
We cannot live in a bubble. We must pick and choose what we think is worth a possible risk. We need to have a decent/ good quality of life.
Thanks for the research Katie
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.