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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!
Eileen,
Hello! I am glad to read that you are having a good day today. :) Katie
This Memorial Day weekend, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication helped protect the freedoms we hold close each day, and we remember them with deep gratitude.
For many throughout our BronchandNTM360social community, Memorial Day can also be a time of personal reflection. We think about the people we’ve loved and lost — family members, veterans, caregivers, friends, and members of this community who helped us through difficult moments, shared their stories, offered support, and reminded us that even during hard days, none of us truly walks this journey alone.
Living with bronchiectasis or NTM often teaches us the value of connection in a very real way. Sometimes the people who impact us most are the ones who simply understood what it felt like to struggle for breath, navigate treatments, carry worry quietly, or keep showing up despite exhaustion. Those connections matter deeply, and so do the people behind them.
When we lose someone important to us, we somehow learn to carry them forward — through the compassion they showed, the encouragement they gave, the wisdom they shared, and the strength they passed along to others. In many ways, they hand the baton to us.
And every time we offer reassurance to someone newly diagnosed…
Every time we answer a question, share a tip, listen without judgment, or remind another person that they are not alone…
…we continue the spirit of those who helped us get here.
That is part of what makes this community so meaningful. BronchandNTM360social is more than a place to talk about lung disease. It is built on understanding, kindness, resilience, and people helping people through some very difficult days.
This Memorial Day, may we remember with gratitude, hold close the people who shaped our lives, and continue honoring them through the care and compassion we show one another every day.
Wishing all of you a peaceful and meaningful Memorial Day weekend. ❤️
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.
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.