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joins 5,271 current members of our community.
We're glad you're here!
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Hello! Inflammatory markers
were discussed at our last BNTM Coffee Break. Below is a review of the two most
commonly used inflammation markers: the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
(ESR) test, which measures the rate at which red blood cells settle at the
bottom of a test tube over a specified period. This rate increases with
inflammation. ESR values typically range from 0-22 mm/hr for men and 0-29 mm/hr
for women. Elevated ESR levels can indicate inflammation due to infections,
autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammatory diseases.
CRP (C-reactive protein) is a
blood test that measures the level of C-reactive protein, which the liver
produces in response to inflammation. Normal CRP levels are generally less than
10 mg/L. High CRP levels indicate inflammation and can be associated with
infections, chronic inflammatory diseases, and other health conditions.
Elevated CRP levels require further diagnostic testing to determine the root
cause. It is a good practice to keep a paper copy of your labs or on your
patient portal to see the trends over time. Please let us know if you
have any questions.
Hello! Inflammatory markers were
discussed at our last BNTM Coffee Break. Below is a review of the two most
commonly used inflammation
markers: the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
(ESR) test, which measures
the rate at which red blood cells settle at the
bottom of a test tube over a
specified period. This rate increases with
inflammation. ESR values
typically range from 0-22 mm/hr for men and 0-29 mm/hr
for women. Elevated ESR
levels can indicate inflammation due to infections,
autoimmune diseases, and
chronic inflammatory diseases.
CRP (C-reactive protein) is a
blood test that measures the level of C-reactive protein, which the liver
produces in response to
inflammation. Normal CRP levels are generally less than
10 mg/L. High CRP levels
indicate inflammation and can be associated with
infections, chronic
inflammatory diseases, and other health conditions.
Elevated CRP levels require
further diagnostic testing to determine the root
cause. It is a good practice
to keep a paper copy of your labs or on your
patient portal to see the
trends over time. Please let us know if you
have any questions.
Hello! Inflammatory markers
were discussed at our last BNTM Coffee Break. Below is a review of the two most
commonly used inflammation markers: the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
(ESR) test, which measures the rate at which red blood cells settle at the
bottom of a test tube over a specified period. This rate increases with
inflammation. ESR values typically range from 0-22 mm/hr for men and 0-29 mm/hr
for women. Elevated ESR levels can indicate inflammation due to infections,
autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammatory diseases.
CRP (C-reactive protein) is a
blood test that measures the level of C-reactive protein, which the liver
produces in response to inflammation. Normal CRP levels are generally less than
10 mg/L. High CRP levels indicate inflammation and can be associated with
infections, chronic inflammatory diseases, and other health conditions.
Elevated CRP levels require further diagnostic testing to determine the root
cause. It is a good practice to keep a paper copy of your labs or on your
patient portal to see the trends over time. Please let us know if you
have any questions.
Happy Chinese New Year to those who celebrate 🎉 this holiday. 2026 will be the Year of the Horse, specifically the Fire Horse, symbolizing "energy, freedom, and forward momentum”. The horse is also synonymous with strength, grace and determination, and this zodiac sign serves as a powerful symbol of perseverance, freedom and momentum for the upcoming lunar cycle.The horse is traditionally regarded as an emblem of confidence and forward motion, suggesting a period defined by significant opportunity and success. I love the idea of “ forward motion “ for all of our members. Today is a new day to march forward for all BNTM members , using preventative measures and self care to work towards the best quality of life for each member.
Presidents Day, officially Washington s Birthday, is a holiday in the United States celebrated on the third Monday of February to honor all persons who served in the office of president of the United States. The federal holiday specifically honors George Washington, who led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War.
Hello! Are you able to get some exercise in throughout the winter months? Exercise is good for our hearts, 💕, lungs and our emotional wellbeing. Five to ten minutes a day, is far better than no exercise. It is recommended to start out slowly and to gradually increase your exercise plans over time. The link below reviews the benefits of exercise. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Exercise
Please share your exercise routine with other BTM members. We are here to encourage one another to improve the quality of our lives.😍😍😍
🙀 Helen just joined up here and I am very excited. I am her caregiver. She is working on learning the harmonica. It’s hard for her, but it’s great that she’s doing it.
😐 Beginning to learn the harmonica in between coughing
Hello! Good nutrition is a part of self care. Taking time to prepare nutritious meals is a gift 🎁 to yourself that will pay off in the long run. Below is a link that reviews the basics of nutrition: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Nutrition
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Hello! Happy Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day or whatever you call this day of celebrating our hearts 💕♥. I hope that you enjoy this day whether you are married, single, divorced, widowed, in limbo. Feeling supported is associated with shifts in immune regulation, including inflammatory pathways linked to long-term chronic disease risk.
Connection is a basic human need and an important nutrient similar to meds and food. . We are here to support you here on line , via the phone 833-411-5864, or via email at contactus@bronchandntm.org. I hope that you have a good day getting pampered by someone or pampering yourself- you have been dealing with health challenges and you deserve it.
💕♥❤💐🎊🎁🤗
Hello! Albumin and Prealbumin were discussed during our
recent BNTM Coffee Break.
Total protein has two main components—albumin and globulin.
The body’s protein is derived from ingested food and is influenced by the
quality of diet, as well as by liver and kidney function.
Below is a basic review of Albumin vs. Prealbumin. Think of
them as nutrition markers with different time speeds.🥣
Albumin =“Long-term fuel tank”. Albumin reflects overall nutrition over
weeks to months. Low albumin can mean: poor nutrition over time, chronic illness/inflammation.
Low albumin is linked with weaker breathing muscles and slower recovery. Prealbumin
= “Weekly check-in”. Prealbumin reflects recent protein intake -the last few
days to a week.
This marker is helpful to see if nutrition support is
working, if protein intake is improving, and if recovery is moving in the right
direction. It also drops with infection, inflammation, stress, and steroid use.
This matters for BNTM patients since breathing takes muscle strength.
Malnutrition can lead to a weaker diaphragm, greater fatigue, slower healing, and a higher risk of infection. This is an important lab to check before a patient has
surgery.
This explains why good nutrition is so important for us. We
may be tired on some days of preparing meals, but having quick, easy meals available is essential to a better quality of life.
Albumin and Prealbumin were
discussed during our recent BNTM Coffee Break.
Total protein has two main
components—albumin and globulin. The body’s protein is derived from ingested
food and is influenced by the quality of diet, as well as by liver and kidney
function.
Below is a basic review of
Albumin vs. Prealbumin
-Think of them as nutrition markers with different time speeds.🥣 Albumin =
“Long-term fuel tank”. Albumin reflects overall nutrition over weeks to months. Low albumin can
mean: poor nutrition over time, chronic illness/inflammation. Low
albumin is linked with weaker
breathing muscles and slower recovery.
Prealbumin = “Weekly
check-in”. Prealbumin reflects recent protein intake (last few days to a
week).
This marker is helpful
to see if nutrition support is working, if protein intake is improving, and if recovery is moving in the right direction.
It also drops with infection, inflammation,
stress
and steroid use.
This is an important lab to check before a patient has surgery.
This
matters for BNTM patients since breathing takes muscle strength. Malnutrition
can lead to a weaker diaphragm,
more fatigue, slower healing, and a higher infection risk.
This
explains why good nutrition is so important for us. We may be tired on some days to prepare meals, but finding a way to have quick and easy meals available is essential to a
better quality of life.
Hello! Were you able to attend the BNTM coffee break yesterday with Michelle MacDonald, MS, RDN? Do you have any follow-up questions?
A review of Albumin vs.
Prealbumin -Think of them as nutrition markers with different
time speeds.
🥣 Albumin = “Long-term fuel
tank”
A protein made by the liver. Reflects overall
nutrition over weeks to months. Changes slowly. Low albumin can mean: poor nutrition over time,
chronic illness/inflammation, fluid shifts (common in lung & heart disease). Low albumin is linked
with:
Weaker breathing muscles
Slower recovery
More hospital complications. It can also be low from inflammation, not just
malnutrition.
⚡ Prealbumin = “Weekly
check-in”
Also made by the liver
Reflects recent protein intake (last few days to a week)
Changes quickly
Helpful to see if: Nutrition support is working
Protein intake is
improving
Recovery is moving in the right direction
But it also drops with:
Infection
Inflammation
Stress
Steroid use
Why this matters with BNTM patients- breathing takes muscle strength. Malnutrition
can lead to:
Weaker diaphragm
More fatigue
Poor cough strength
Slower healing
Higher infection risk. So providers sometimes use:
Albumin →
big picture nutrition
Prealbumin →
short-term progress marker
Neither test alone proves malnutrition — they
must be interpreted alongside:
Weight trends
Muscle loss
Appetite
CRP/inflammation markers.
hi group, new today. How to start? Can I access others comments? Do I self introduce? Double Dx one mo ago. Now need to construct a PIP (pulmonary improvement plan). Learn about milestones, outcome measures. Maybe local counselor and trainer.
Hello! 😊
Are you ready for a gentle review of routine lab numbers?
The previous post reviewed the purpose of each of the 20 lab markers or measurements in an SMA-20 panel (Sequential Multiple Analyzer panel), also known as a CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel). The SMA-20 or CMP measures key electrolytes, kidney and liver function markers, glucose, and proteins.
Too often, healthcare providers list these tests and numbers quickly, expecting patients to fully understand what they mean. The goal of sharing this information is to help you better understand these markers and the significance of any abnormal values. It’s hard to make informed changes—or ask meaningful questions—if we don’t fully understand what the targets are.
Below are normal adult reference ranges, provided for general educational purposes. Please note that ranges may vary slightly between laboratories and publications:
Glucose (fasting): 70–100 mg/dL
Sodium (Na+): 136–145 mEq/L
Potassium (K+): 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
Chloride (Cl–): 95–105 mEq/L
CO₂ (Bicarbonate): 22–28 mEq/L
BUN: 7–20 mg/dL
Creatinine: 0.6–1.2 mg/dL
Calcium (total): 8.4–10.2 mg/dL
Phosphorus: 3.0–4.5 mg/dL
Magnesium: 1.5–2.0 mg/dL
Total Protein: 6.0–7.8 g/dL
Albumin: 3.5–5.5 g/dL
Globulin: 2.3–3.5 g/dL
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase): 10–40 U/L
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): 12–38 U/L
I hope this helps you feel better equipped to ask your healthcare provider questions about your SMA-20 lab results and to better understand what your numbers may be telling you.
Hello! Are you ready for a
quiz on routine lab numbers? Lol😊 The previous post reviewed the purpose of each
of the 20 lab markers/ measurements in an SMA 20 Panel (Sequential Multiple
Analyzer panel). This is also known as CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel). The
SMA 20 or CMP panel measures key electrolytes, kidney and liver function
markers, glucose, and proteins. Too often, I hear health care providers just
ramble the names of these tests with numbers, expecting the patient to
understand exactly
what they are talking about.
My goal is for you to understand the meaning of these markers and the
significance of any abnormal numbers. We cannot make a
change if we do not fully
understand what our targets are.
Normal adult reference ranges
are provided below for general educational purposes. Ranges may vary slightly
in different labs and publications.
Glucose (Fasting)70–100mg/dL
, Sodium (Na+) 136–145mEq/L, Potassium (K+) 3.5–5.0 mEq/L, Chloride
(Cl–) 95–105 mEq/L,CO2
(Bicarbonate)22–28mEq/L. BUN 7–20 mg/dL, Creatinine 0.6–1.2 mg/dL. Calcium
(Total) 8.4–10.2mg/dL, Phosphorus 3.0–4.5 mg/dL. Magnesium
1.5–2.0 mg/dL, Total Protein
6.0–7.8 g/dL, Albumin 3.5–5.5 g/dL, Globulin 2.3–3.5 g/dL, ALT(Alanine
Aminotransferase) 10–40 U/L , AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)12–38
I hope that you feel better equipped
to ask your healthcare providers any questions that you may have
about your SMA 20 lab
results.
Hello!
Are you ready for a quiz on routine lab numbers? Lol😊 The previous post reviewed the purpose of each of the 20
lab markers/ measurements in an SMA 20 Panel (Sequential Multiple Analyzer
panel). This is also known as CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel). The SMA 20
or CMP panel measures key electrolytes, kidney and liver function markers,
glucose, and proteins. Too often, I hear health care providers just ramble the
names of these tests with numbers, expecting the patient to understand exactly
what they are talking about. My goal is for you to understand the meaning of
these markers and the significance of any abnormal numbers. We cannot make a
change if we do not fully understand what our targets are.
Normal
adult reference ranges are provided below for general educational purposes.
Ranges may vary slightly in different labs and publications.
Glucose
(Fasting)70–100mg/dL , Sodium (Na+) 136–145mEq/L, Potassium (K+) 3.5–5.0 mEq/L, Chloride
(Cl–) 95–105 mEq/L,CO2 (Bicarbonate)22–28mEq/L. BUN 7–20 mg/dL, Creatinine
0.6–1.2 mg/dL. Calcium (Total) 8.4–10.2mg/dL, Phosphorus 3.0–4.5 mg/dL. Magnesium
1.5–2.0 mg/dL, Total Protein 6.0–7.8 g/dL, Albumin 3.5–5.5 g/dL, Globulin
2.3–3.5 g/dL, ALT(Alanine Aminotransferase) 10–40 U/L , AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)12–38
I hope that you feel better
equipped to ask your healthcare providers any questions that you may have
about your SMA 20 lab results.
Hello! Are you ready for a<br>quiz on routine lab numbers? Lol😊 The previous post reviewed the purpose of each of the<br>20 lab measurements in an SMA 20 Panel (Sequential Multiple Analyzer panel).<br>This is also known as CMP, (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel). The SMA 20 or CMP<br>panel measures key electrolytes, kidney and liver function markers, glucose,<br>and proteins. <br><br>My goal is for you to understand the meaning of<br>these markers and the significance of any abnormal numbers. Too often, I hear health care providers just<br>ramble the names of these tests with numbers, expecting the patient to understand<br>exactly what they are talking about. We<br>cannot make a change if we do not fully understand how to interpret the results.<br><br>Normal adult reference ranges<br>are provided below for general educational purposes. Ranges may vary slightly<br>in different labs and publications.<br><br>Electrolytes are<br>important for cellular function. <br>Marker Normal<br>Range Unit <br><br>Glucose (Fasting)70–100mg/dL <br><br>Sodium (Na+) 136–145mEq/L <br><br>Potassium (K+) 3.5–5.0 mEq/L <br><br>Chloride (Cl–) 95–105 mEq/L <br><br>CO2 (Bicarbonate)22–28mEq/L <br><br>BUN 7–20<br>mg/dL <br><br>Creatinine 0.6–1.2 mg/dL <br><br>Calcium (Total) 8.4–10.2mg/dL <br><br>Phosphorus 3.0–4.5 mg/dL <br><br>Magnesium 1.5–2.0 mg/dL <br><br>Total Protein 6.0–7.8 g/dL <br><br>Albumin 3.5–5.5 g/dL <br><br>Globulin 2.3–3.5 g/dL <br><br>ALT (Alanine<br>Aminotransferase) 10–40 U/L <br><br>AST (Aspartate<br>Aminotransferase)12–38 U/L<br><br>Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)25–100 U/L <br><br>Bilirubin (Total) 0.1–1.0 mg/dL <br><br> <br>Total Cholesterol<200<br><br> <br> Triglycerides<150<br><br>Iron (Serum)65–175 (M) / 50–170 (F)<br><br> <br><br> <br><br> <br><br> <br><br>
A SMA20 blood test is frequently ordered by your primary care provider and or your pulmonologist while under their care. Medications are filtered through the liver and kidneys.
Medications, illnesses, and changes in nutritional intake can affect these numbers. The article below explains the meaning of each of the 20 tests. Hopefully, you will have a better understanding of what is going on when your healthcare provider reviews your results.
https://healthresearchfunding.org/smac-20-blood-test-results-explained/
SMAC 20 Blood Test Results Explained - HRFThe SMAC 20 blood test is a regularly ordered group of tests that helps to determine what the overall status of health of a patient happens to be. Most patients will be required to fast for a minimum of 12 hours before having the blood draw for this test. Results are typically available in 24-48 …
A SMA20 blood test is
frequently ordered by your primary care provider and or your pulmonologist
while under their care. Medications are filtered through the liver and kidneys.
Medications, illnesses, and changes in nutritional intake can affect these
numbers. The article below explains the meaning of each of the 20 tests.
Hopefully, you will have a better understanding of what is going on when your
healthcare provider reviews your results.
https://healthresearchfunding.org/smac-20-blood-test-results-explained/
A SMA20 blood test is frequently ordered by your primary care provider and or your pulmonologist while under their care. Medications are filtered through the liver and kidneys. Medications, illnesses, and nutritional intake changes can affect these numbers. The article below explains the meaning of each of the 20 tests, which will give you a better understanding if these labs are low or elevated. SMAC 20 Blood Test Results Explained - HRF
Hello! February is healthy heart month❤❤❤. Are you keeping good tabs on your cholesterol levels? The terms LDL, HDL and more can be confusing The article below from the Cleveland Clinic reviews the different types of cholesterol and treatment options. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11920-cholesterol-numbers-what-do-they-mean
Hello! How are you doing today? Are there high winds in your area? High wind conditions can significantly impact respiratory patients. Cold Air: High winds can bring cold, dry air, which can irritate the airways and lead to bronchospasm/ bronchoconstriction, making it harder to breathe. Symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing may occur in some individuals. Be prepared with a mask/ a good scarf if you must go outside your home on high wind days. Have your inhaler available if one has been prescribed by your health care provider.
Hello everyone!
Our next BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break is Wednesday, February 11, 2026 @ 2:30pm EST.
Michelle MacDonald, MS, RDN, CDCES will join us again to address "How your Lab Results and Nutritional Needs are Interrelated.” Time allowing, she will also address additional questions about nutrition for Bronchiectasis and NTM Patients from our November 2025 Coffee Break. Michelle is a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist who has 15 years of clinical experience as the dedicated dietitian to the infectious disease clinic at National Jewish Health. Currently, she works full-time in private practice, offering both virtual and in-person consultations.
Resources:
Here is a link to a video of Michelle MacDonald on Nutrition. Sponsored by NTMir.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30L2Ha4W_Nk
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!
Heart Health Matters 💙 When you live with Bronchiectasis
or NTM, your lungs work harder every day. What many people don’t realize is
that your heart is working harder, too. Your Heart Is Part of Your Healing 💙
A strong, supported heart helps move oxygen, fight fatigue, and give you the
energy to keep going. When you care for your heart, you’re not just protecting
an organ — you’re supporting your entire healing system.
Simple heart-healthy small steps can make a real difference:
Choose foods that nourish, heart-healthy foods, such as a
balanced, anti-inflammatory meal
🚶 Gentle movement, like a
gentle walk or stretching, when able to do so
😴 Prioritizing rest and sleep-
rest without guilt
💧 Staying hydrated
🧘 Stress reduction, breathe
deeply, and calm your nervous system
Taking care of your heart is another way of taking care of your
lungs. You are more than your diagnosis. You are strong, resilient, and worth
the care. 💙 Do you have any heart-healthy practices that
you would like to share with the community?
Heart Health Matters 💙 When you live with
Bronchiectasis or NTM, your lungs work harder every day. What many people don’t
realize is that your heart is working harder, too. Your Heart Is Part of Your
Healing 💙 A strong, supported heart helps move oxygen,
fight fatigue, and give you the energy to keep going. When you care for your
heart, you’re not just protecting an organ — you’re supporting your entire
healing system.
Simple heart-healthy small steps can make a real difference:
·
Choose foods that nourish, heart-healthy foods
such as a balanced, anti-inflammatory meal
·
🚶 Gentle movement, like a
gentle walk or stretching, when able to do so
·
😴 Prioritizing rest and
sleep- rest without guilt
·
💧 Staying hydrated
·
🧘 Stress reduction,
breathe deeply, and calm your nervous system
Taking care of your heart is another way of taking care of
your lungs. You are more than your diagnosis. You are strong, resilient, and
worth the care. 💙 Do you have any heart-healthy
practices that you would like to share with the community?
Hello! A basic review of the heart and lung connection: The
heart and lungs are confined within the chest cavity and share different
functions. When lung diseases reduce oxygen delivery, it can place stress on
the right heart. The heart pumps oxygen-poor blood from the right side into the
lungs via the pulmonary artery, where gas exchange occurs in tiny air sacs
called alveoli. I am not writing this to alarm you but to remind you that it is
important to keep an eye on your vital signs- your blood pressure, your heart
rate, swelling of feet and lower legs, and your cholesterol levels. Report any notable changes to your primary care provider; do not wait until an upcoming visit in three to six months. Your primary care provider may recommend an appointment with a cardiologist to do
further diagnostic testing. Cardiac diagnostic testing may include an echo, a stress test, or other tests. Let us know if you have any specific questions. Below is a video on how to take your own vital signs:
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=vital+signs+you+tube+video&&mid=062CDD0C089341CCC7A3062CDD0C089341CCC7A3&FORM=VAMGZCvital signs you tube video - Search VideosWatch videos instantly on Bing—enjoy direct playback, discover related clips, and dive into trending content all in one place.
Hello! A basic review of the heart and lung connection: The
heart and lungs are confined within the chest cavity and share different
functions. When lung diseases reduce oxygen delivery, it can place stress on
the right heart. The heart pumps oxygen-poor blood from the right side into the
lungs via the pulmonary artery, where gas exchange occurs in tiny air sacs
called alveoli. I am not writing this to alarm you but to remind you that it is
important to keep an eye on your vital signs- your blood pressure, your heart
rate, swelling of feet and lower legs, and your cholesterol levels. Report any notable changes to your primary
care provider; do not wait until an upcoming visit in three to six months. Your
primary care provider may recommend an appointment with a cardiologist to do
further diagnostic testing. Cardiac diagnostic
testing may include an echo, a stress test, or other tests. Let us know if you
have any specific questions. Below is a video on how to take your own vital signs:
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=vital+signs+you+tube+video&&mid=062CDD0C089341CCC7A3062CDD0C089341CCC7A3&FORM=VAMGZC
Hello! A basic review of the heart and lung connection: The heart and lungs are confined within the chest cavity and share
different functions. When lung diseases reduce oxygen delivery, it can place stress on the
right heart. The heart
pumps oxygen-poor blood
from the right side into the lungs via the pulmonary
artery, where gas
exchange occurs in tiny air sacs called alveoli. I am not writing this to alarm you but to inform you that it is
important to keep an eye on your vital signs- your blood pressure, your heart rate,
swelling of feet and lower legs, and your cholesterol levels. Your primary care provider may recommend an
appointment with a cardiologist to do further
diagnostic testing, such as an echo, a stress test, or other tests. Let us know if
you have any specific questions. Below is a video on how to take your own vital
signs:
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=vital+signs+you+tube+video&&mid=062CDD0C089341CCC7A3062CDD0C089341CCC7A3&FORM=VAMGZC
vital signs you tube video - Search Videos
Hello! A basic review of the heart and lung connection: The heart
and lungs are within the chest cavity and share different
functions. When lung diseases reduce oxygen delivery, it can place stress on the
right heart. The heart pumps oxygen-poor blood from the right side into the lungs via the pulmonary artery, where gas exchange occurs in tiny air sacs called alveoli. I am not writing
this to alarm you but to inform you that it is important to keep an eye on your
vital signs- your blood pressure, your heart rate, swelling of feet and lower
legs, and your cholesterol levels. Appointments with a cardiologist may be needed if your
primary care provider recommends. Further diagnostic testing may include an echo, a stress test, or other tests. Let us know if you have any specific questions. Below is a video on how to take your own vital signs:
https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=vital+signs+you+tube+video&&mid=062CDD0C089341CCC7A3062CDD0C089341CCC7A3&FORM=VAMGZCvital signs you tube video - Search VideosWatch videos instantly on Bing—enjoy direct playback, discover related clips, and dive into trending content all in one place.3 hours ago
Hello! A basic review of the heart and lung connection: The heart
and lungs are confined within the chest cavity and share different mechanical
functions. When lung diseases reduce oxygen delivery, it places stress on the
right heart and can potentially cause right heart failure over time. The heart
pumps oxygen-poor blood from the right side into the lungs via the pulmonary
artery, where gas exchange occurs in tiny air sacs called alveoli. Once reoxygenated,
blood returns to the left heart and is pumped to the body. I am not writing
this to alarm you but to inform you that it is important to keep an eye on your
vital signs- your blood pressure, your heart rate, swelling of feet and lower
legs, and your cholesterol levels. Appointments with a cardiologist if your
primary care provider recommends doing so for further diagnostic testing, such
as an echo, a stress test, or other tests. Let us know if you have any specific
questions.
A basic review of the heart and lung connection: The heart and lungs are
confined within the chest cavity and share different mechanical functions. When
lung diseases reduce oxygen delivery,
placing dangerous stress
on the right heart and potentially causes right heart failure. The
heart pumps oxygen-poor blood from the right side into the lungs via the
pulmonary artery, where gas exchange occurs in tiny air sacs called alveoli.
Once
reoxygenated, blood returns to the left heart and is pumped to the body.
KB,
I wish you the best! 1:1 coaching with a respiratory therapist is definitely worthwhile. I hope that you can get a less time consuming but effective airway clearance program in place soon.
Thanks so much for the ideas, information, and support. I will call for guidance and ask for a referral to a respiratory therapist.
Interesting read in the European Lung Foundation's (ELF) newsletter about a study into how menthol can help to relieve the feelings of breathlessness. Hopefully this link works, but if not, take a look at their site:Can menthol inhalation reduce the feeling of breathlessness? - European Lung Foundation
Hi everyone! Yesterday, Congress advanced and the president signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026. This funding package includes several big "wins" for the lung health community!:
- COPD Foundation/Bronchiectasis and NTM Association priority report language accompanying the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget
- Overall budget increase for the NIH
- Two-year extension of Medicare coverage for virtual pulmonary rehabilitation
- Restrictions on "forward funding" to provide more research funding
- Limits on indirect payment caps for research
Our lung health community's tireless dedication on advocacy helped make these "wins" possible! Thank you for your support of these policy priorities throughout 2025. Everyone should be very proud of their hard work that contributed to better policies for the lung health community.
Thank you to everyone for your passion and commitment for better lung health policies. We are incredibly proud of our community and look forward to more policy "wins" in 2026!
Hi everyone! Yesterday, Congress advanced and the president
signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026. This funding package
includes several big "wins" for the lung health community!:
- COPD Foundation/Bronchiectasis and NTM Association priority report language accompanying the National Institutes
of Health (NIH) budget
- Overall budget increase for the NIH
- Two-year extension of Medicare coverage for virtual pulmonary rehabilitation
- Restrictions on "forward funding" to provide more research funding
- Limits on indirect payment caps for research
Our lung health community's tireless dedication and advocacy helped make these
"wins" possible! Thank you for your support of these policy
priorities throughout 2025. Everyone should be very proud of their hard work
that contributed to better policies for the lung health community.
Thank you to everyone for your passion and commitment for better lung health
policies. We are incredibly proud of our community and look forward to more
policy "wins" in 2026!
Hello! Do you fully understand the connection between the lungs and the heart? The link below from the Cleveland Clinic , including an infographic reviews this important information: https://www.nationaljewish.org/education/health-information/infographics/whats-the-connection-your-heart-can-affect-your-breathing
Please let us know if you have any specific questions.
KB,
You are most welcome. Yes, allergies, or anything that affects our upper airways, can affect our breathing and or travel downward. We are here to support you.
Suepink1
Good suggestion. Hopefully, her allergist has checked that already.
You can ask your pulmonologist for a referral to a respiratory therapist to review the best airway clearance techniques suitable for you.
Hello! You are in the process of learning what works best for you- it takes time to get into a practice that works best for you. Steam is not recommended for BNTM individuals. 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 by phone at (833) 411-5864. Our Ambassadors are real-life patients with experiences similar to yours and understand what you are going through. You can also email us at contactus@bronchandntm.org to get more information about airway clearance. Our Ambassadors can’t provide medical advice, but may be able to assist you with additional information and resources on airway clearance techniques.
If you scroll upwards, to the right and look for the Learn More Menu for additional information, including: Coping with Airway Mucus | Bronchiectasis and NTM Association
Have you or they checked out allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)?
Hi. My diagnosis is mild bronchiectasis. Typically I have to clear airways every 4 to 5 days. But it takes me up to 3 hours to clear airways start to finish. From what I read on this blog, I am slow! Currently steaming for 15 minutes, nebulizing with saline for 15 minutes, postural drainage on one side in 2 positions each about 15-30 minutes with huff coughing which clears that side of my lungs Then back to a little steam, 10-15 more minutes of nebulizing, and then the other side with 2 postures and huff coughs for another 15-30 minutes. There has to be a better way. I've had a lot of recent flares so I am doing this every day to every other day lately. Please advise.
KB
Thanks for all this feedback. I am seeing allergist/immunologist and pulmonologist. Answers soon I hope but its looking like allergies exacerbate the bronchiectasis; flares, cold adds to it as you all knew. Its nice to have people to talk to about this. Appreciate you all.
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.
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