Skip Navigation

Activity Feed

BronchandNTM360social welcomes new member Vinny Test User who joins 5,271 current members of our community.
We're glad you're here!

Mitch Test

test

2 weeks ago
K

Sleep is essential for healing and for functioning on a daily basis. Simple daily tasks, such as meal preparation, bathing and other activiites of daily living require menatl and physical energy. We do not have the energy if we are sleep deprived.The article below reviews specialists who assist individuals with sleep disorders You've Done Everything Right. So Why Are You Still Not Sleeping? - National Sleep Foundation

2 weeks ago
C
Community Announcements   commented on CT shows NTM MAI possibility but Negative Labs?   in category: Discussions

Lynne,

Have they ever mentioned the diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis? I have had this diagnosis in the past. Please do reach out when you are up to it.

2 weeks ago
L

I have granulomas & tree in a bud findings as well.  I have been working with the NTM Clinic at Johns Hopkins for 3 years now.  Over the years frequent prednisone scripts (4 times on average a year).  All kinds of inhalers.  I have no allergies to environmental or animal interactions.  Just chronic gunk (my lay term) in my lungs, throat and sinuses. 

Just curious if there are any others out there who have had a similar experience.

I will reach out to the Ambassadors to see if they have any additional suggestions.  Thank you 

2 weeks ago
L

I am so glad to have found this group as my first Infectious Disease appointment was last week. My BP was uncharacteristically high when I arrived.  The two physicians I saw were very well informed about my positive NTM abcesses  positive culture.  Unfortunately they only had the reports of my recent CT scans.  I am having another CT Scan tomorrow and the digital films have been released to the ID docs.  As I currently do not have any symptoms of the NTM, the current decision is to watchful wait.  Once my new CT Scan can be compared we will meet again.  The physician say it is uncommon to have NTM without symptoms.  I do have bronchiectasis, occasionally use a flutter device.  It is rare that I produce sputum when using the device.  Are there others in this forum who are also watchfully waiting?  I wonder how long I could remain symptom free before the NTM causes symptoms to flare.  I appreciate all of your postings as I learn more about what could be ahead.

3 weeks ago
C
Community Announcements   commented on CT shows NTM MAI possibility but Negative Labs?   in category: Discussions

Lynn,

Hello! Welcome to the community. I am sorry to read of what you have been going through. Have you been seen at a top research center or by a doctor affiliated with the BNTM care center network?
Have they discussed putting you on NtM drugs without the positive cultures? Did they mention that they saw granulomas on the cat scan? Have they prescribed prednisone for an extended period of time?
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 live patients with experiences similar to yours and understand your concerns. You can also email us at contactus@bronchandntm.orgto 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.

3 weeks ago
L

Multiple CTs have shown possible NTM MAI but every bronchoscopy and sputum labs have been negative. I have had the fundiplication Ctiff surgery, 4 sinus procedurbues and continue to have heavy thick sputum daily with non-stop coughing. I use 7% sodium to nebulize and when necessary Acetylcysteine with Albuterol. I also take Brinsupri (just started a few weeks ago). I was diagnosed with with Bronchiectasis in 2016 and have struggled for years. Any suggestions/ideas what/where I can find help/answers.

3 weeks ago
Mitch Test

Hey!  Great check in!  Finally spring here!

3 weeks ago
K
Ksmiles123  posted a Check-In

Sleep is not a luxury for those living with BNTM—it’s part of
the treatment plan. 💙 Sleep is your body’s built-in
repair system. When sleep improves, everything else becomes a little more
manageable. When you sleep, your body does its deepest healing:

✨Supports and strengthens your immune
system to better fight infection

✨Brain reset& clarity -Your
brain clears out waste, strengthens memory, improves focus, and emotional
balance. Sleep improves energy, mood, and resilience

✨Aids in tissue repair and recovery.
Poor sleep can result in more fatigue and slower healing.

🌙 Aim for a consistent
bedtime,🌙elevate your head if you have acid reflux and
or breathing is an issue, and🌙 create a calm,
low-stimulation wind-down routine. Sleep isn’t just “rest”—it’s an active, essential
repair and regulation process that affects almost every system in your body.

Below is an additional list of what is really happening while
you sleep: Physical repair & healing: Tissue repair, muscle recovery, and
lung inflammation are reduced. This is especially important for recovery and
resilience in BNTM patients. ⚖️ Hormone Balance-Sleep
regulates hormones that control stress (cortisol), appetite (ghrelin/leptin),
and blood sugar—impacting weight, mood, and energy. ❤Heart
health-Blood pressure lowers, heart rate stabilizes, and lowers strain on the
heart .🌿 Energy Restoration-Deep sleep restores your energy
at a cellular level—this is why poor sleep feels like running on empty. Think
of sleep as your body’s nightly “maintenance system”—cleaning, repairing, balancing,
and preparing you to function the next day. Do you have suggestions for others
to improve their sleep quality?

















3 weeks ago
K
Ksmiles123  posted a Check-In

Sleep is not a luxury for those living with BNTM—it’s part
of the treatment plan. 💙 Sleep is your body’s
built-in repair system. When sleep improves, everything else becomes a little
more manageable. When you sleep, your body does its deepest healing:

✨Supports and strengthens your
immune system to better fight infection

✨Brain reset& clarity -Your brain
clears out waste, strengthens memory, improves focus, and emotional balance.
Sleep improves energy, mood, and resilience

✨Aids in tissue repair and
recovery. Poor sleep can result in more
fatigue and slower healing.

🌙 Aim for a consistent bedtime,🌙
elevate your head if you have acid reflux and or breathing is an issue, and🌙
create a calm, low-stimulation wind-down routine. Sleep isn’t just “rest”—it’s an active,
essential repair and regulation process that affects almost every system in
your body.

Below is an additional list of what is really happening
while you sleep: Physical repair & healing: Tissue repair,
muscle recovery, and lung inflammation are reduced. This is especially
important for recovery and resilience in BNTM patients. ⚖️
Hormone balance-Sleep regulates hormones that control stress (cortisol),
appetite (ghrelin/leptin), and blood sugar—impacting weight, mood, and energy.❤
Heart health-Blood pressure lowers, heart rate stabilizes, and lowers strain on
the heart .🌿 Energy restoration-Deep sleep restores your
energy at a cellular level—this is why poor sleep feels like running on empty.
Think of sleep as your body’s nightly “maintenance system”—cleaning, repairing,
balancing, and preparing you to function the next day. Do you have suggestions
for others to improve their sleep quality?

3 weeks ago
K
Ksmiles123  posted a Check-In

Sleep is not a luxury for those living with BNTM—it’s
part of the treatment plan. 💙 Sleep is
your body’s built-in repair system. When sleep improves, everything else
becomes a little more manageable. When you sleep, your body does its
deepest healing:


Supports your immune system to better fight infection


Helps clear inflammation in the lungs


Improves energy, mood, and resilience


Aids in tissue repair and recovery.  Poor sleep can result in more fatigue and slower
healing. 🌙 Aim for a consistent
bedtime,🌙 elevate your head if you have acid reflux
and or breathing is an issue, and🌙 create a calm,
low-stimulation wind-down routine.  Sleep isn’t just “rest”—it’s an active, essential repair and regulation
process that affects almost every system in your body. Below is a list of what
is really happening while you sleep: 🧠 Brain reset
& clarity -Your brain clears out waste, strengthens memory,
improves focus and emotional balance.🛡️ Immune
system strengthening -Sleep boosts infection-fighting cells and
helps your body respond to bacteria and viruses more effectively.🫁 Physical
repair & healing
-Tissues repair, muscles recover, and inflammation is reduced. This is
especially important for recovery and resilience in BNTM patients. ⚖️ Hormone
balance
-Sleep regulates hormones that control stress (cortisol), appetite (ghrelin/leptin),
and blood sugar—impacting weight, mood, and energy.❤ Heart health
-Blood pressure lowers, heart rate stabilizes, and lowers strain on the heart .🌿 Energy
restoration-Deep sleep restores your energy at a cellular
level—this is why poor sleep feels like running on empty. Think of sleep as
your body’s nightly “maintenance system”—cleaning, repairing, balancing, and
preparing you to function the next day. Do you have suggestions for others to improve
their quality of sleep?

3 weeks ago
Mitchel Sellers admin

Hey!  I'm checking this out!  Hopefully the weather is nice where you are!

3 weeks ago
J
JerseyGals  posted a Check-In

Hi,
I am newly diagnosed with bronchiectasis and NTM and am about to start treatment. I am very concerned about some of the possible adverse effects from the medications that I have been reading about. 

3 weeks ago
K

Real people. Real stories. A cause that matters 💙

The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association's Airways & Fairways Charity Golf Tournament will take place in Orlando, FL on May 15, 2026. At the tournament, we will feature a special Honor Wall that highlights the names and stories that inspire our mission.


Each name represents someone whose life has been impacted by bronchiectasis or NTM lung disease.


We invite you to honor someone meaningful in your life. You can share your own name or recognize a family member, caregiver, healthcare provider, or anyone who has been touched by respiratory disease.


To add your tribute, please visit: https://copdf.co/supportgolf
Then follow these steps:
• Select $10
• Check the box for Honor Wall Tribute
• Choose In honor of under Type of dedication
• Enter the individual’s name in the Honoree Name field
• Enter your contact information
• Click Give Securely


If you need any help, feel free to reach out to giving@bronchandntm.org.


Adding a name to the Honor Wall is a simple way to make a meaningful impact and support a future with earlier diagnosis, better care, and more hope for those affected.


For more information about the tournament, visit: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Get-Involved/Events/Airways-Fairways-Charity-Golf-Tournament

3 weeks ago
K

Real people. Real stories. A cause that matters 💙

The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association’s Airways & Fairways Charity Golf Tournament will take place in Orlando, FL on May 15, 2026.

At the tournament, we will feature a special Honor Wall that highlights the names and stories that inspire our mission. Each name represents someone whose life has been impacted by bronchiectasis or NTM lung disease.

We invite you to honor someone meaningful in your life. You can share your own name or recognize a family member, caregiver, healthcare provider, or anyone who has been touched by respiratory disease.

To add your tribute, please visit: https://copdf.co/supportgolf
Then follow these steps:
• Select $10
• Check the box for Honor Wall Tribute
• Choose In honor of under Type of dedication
• Enter the individual’s name in the Honoree Name field
• Enter your contact information
• Click Give Securely

If you need any help, feel free to reach out to giving@bronchandntm.org.

Adding a name to the Honor Wall is a simple way to make a meaningful impact and support a future with earlier diagnosis, better care, and more hope for those affected.

For more information about the tournament, visit: Airways & Fairways Charity Golf Tournament | Event for Bronchiectasis and NTM

3 weeks ago
K

Have you ever been told you just have “severe asthma” or “COPD,” only to later discover that bronchiectasis or NTM lung disease had been overlooked? In the latest episode of our podcast, Dr. Ashwin Basavaraj, Associate Director at NYU Langone Health, unpacks how asthma, COPD, and other disorders can overlap with bronchiectasis and why these connections are often missed. Plus, what are some red flags to look out for, and when should you push for additional testing? 
Listen here: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/Educational-Materials-Resources/Podcasts

3 weeks ago
K

Have you ever been told you just have “severe asthma” or “COPD,” only to later discover that bronchiectasis or NTM lung disease had been overlooked? In the latest episode of our podcast, Dr. Ashwin Basavaraj, Associate Director at NYU Langone Health, unpacks how asthma, COPD, and other disorders can overlap with bronchiectasis and why these connections are often missed. Plus, what are some red flags to look out for, and when should you push for additional testing? 


Listen here: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/Educational-Materials-Resources/Podcasts

3 weeks ago
K
Ksmiles123  posted a Check-In

Hello! Is a good night’s sleep a challenge for you?  The combination of good sleep, medications, therapies, and good nutrition will assist you in healing .Below is a blog article on sleep hygiene that offers some tips. Sleeping and Healing for BNTM Patients: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/150/Sleep-and-Healing-for-NTMBronchiectasis-Patients

3 weeks ago
P

Katie, and all, this a a question about controlling GERD that some or many of us struggle with. I have ordered Reflux Gourmet, which is yet to arrive so have not tried it.  And then I found this product through research; it is called Slippery Elm powder and is available to order or can be found in the Denver area at Natural Grocers in a 1 oz packet or a 4 oz bottle.
Has anyone tried this Slippery Elm Bark?  It acts a bit differently from Reflux Gourmet, yet is somewhat similar and is also a natural product.
After taking famotadine daily for almost a year, first at 20mg once in the morning, then thankfully found 10mg famotidine, I stopped taking it a few days ago. The famotadine was prescribed by the 
GI specialist at NJH. 
I am set now to simply keep my stomach in good shape by not filling it too full. 
If you have experience with Slippery Elm, please let me know.

3 weeks ago
J

I am down for the count. I was good for three weeks no infection. Two days ago I got another infection. Waiting to see the doctor on Tuesday.

3 weeks ago
K
Ksmiles123  posted a Check-In

Hello! A review of Stress Basics 101- Stress is the reaction of the brain and body to situations that put us in harm's way. The stressor may be a physical threat or a psychological threat. The stress response is our body's attempt to keep us safe from harm. When we are under stress, the chemistry (chemicals) in our brain changes. Changes in the chemicals in our brains affect our thinking patterns.The "fight or flight" response means that we have two basic ways of protecting ourselves when faced with a threat. We can run (flee) or try to overcome the threat ( fight). Good stress is when we can take on the problem at hand and return to the feeling of safety afterwards. Bad stress occurs when we have no or little control over the results. Body and brain chemistry become overreactive and get out of balance- this is known as the "freeze response". Learning how to deal with stressors in your daily life will reduce the chance of being in "freeze mode". Staying in the "freeze mode" impacts your physical and immune health. We are here to support you in learning new ways to deal with ongoing stressors. Please let us know if you have any questions. 
 Below is a short YouTube video on the fight, flight, or freeze response.

3 weeks ago
K
Ksmiles123  posted a Check-In

Hello! A review of Stress Basics 101- Stress is the reaction of the brain and body to situations that put us in harm's way. The stressor may be a physical threat or a psychological threat. The stress response is our body's attempt to keep us safe from harm. When we are under stress, the chemistry (chemicals) in our brain changes. Changes in the chemicals in our brains affect our thinking patterns.
The "fight or flight" response means that we have two basic ways of protecting ourselves when faced with a threat. We can run (flee) or try to overcome the threat ( fight). Good stress is when we can take on the problem at hand and return to the feeling of safety afterwards. Bad stress occurs when we have no or little control over the results. Body and brain chemistry become overreactive and get out of balance- this is known as the "freeze response".  Learning how to deal with stressors in your daily life will reduce the chance of being in "freeze mode". Staying in the "freeze mode" impacts your physical and immune health. We are here to support you in learning new ways to deal with ongoing stressors. Please let us know if you have any questions.  Below is a short YouTube video on the Fight, Flight or Freeze response: https://www.ted.com/talks/betsy_huggett_fight_flight_or_freeze_your_body_s_defense_mecha

3 weeks ago
K
Ksmiles123  posted a Check-In

Hello! A review of the basics of stress- Stress is the reaction of the brain and body to situations that put us in harm's way. The stressor may be a physical threat or a psychological threat. The stress response is our body's attempt to keep us safe from harm. When we are under stress, the chemistry ( chemicals) in our brain changes. The change in the chemicals in our brain affects our thinking patterns. 
The "fight or flight" response means that we have two basic ways of protecting ourselves when faced with a threat. We can run (flee) or try to overcome the threat ( fight). Good stress is when we can take on the problem at hand and return to the feeling of safety afterwards.  Bad stress occurs when we have no or little control over the results. Body and brain chemistry become overreactive and get out of balance- this is known as the "freeze response". We have posts listed below on Coping Skills, A Coping Skill Toolbox, and more.  Learning how to improve at dealing with stressors in your daily life will lessen the chance of being in the " freeze mode".  Staying in the "freeze mode", also referred to as chronic stress on a long-term basis, impacts your physical and immune health.  We are here to support you in learning ways to deal with ongoing stressors.  Please let us know if you have any questions. 

3 weeks ago
C
Community Announcements   commented on sudden onset of symptoms   in category: Discussions
  • Please up date us after you see your Pulmonologist. Adults with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases are at higher risk of getting haemolophus. I have observed that many urgent care centers write prescriptions so readily without knowing the root cause of one’s symptoms. I am so glad that you are able to see your Pulmonologist tomorrow to clarify the diagnosis and treatment plan.
3 weeks ago
K
Kath   posted sudden onset of symptoms   in category: Discussions

Thank you. I do intend to follow up with my pulmonary doctor on Monday. I think they prescribed the doxycycline because I had all the signs of infection, and they assumed it was the haemolphilus that had been detected that was causing the problem. 

3 weeks ago
C
Community Announcements   commented on sudden onset of symptoms   in category: Discussions

Kath,

Hello! I am sorry that you were having a challenging day and needed to go to an urgent care center. Abdominal pain is not commonly associated with Bronchiectasis, some chest discomfort is seen but not severe pain radiating to your back. Was the urine dipstick positive? What exactly did they prescribe the doxycycline for? Did they do an EKG? I am glad you are feeling better today. I am not a doctor and cannot give medical advice; however, I would suggest to follow up with my pcp on Monday and or a GI doctor for your complaint of abdominal pain. I hope that you continue to feel better. Below is a booklet on the Basics of Bronchiectasis https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/Files/All_About_Bronchiectasis.pdf

3 weeks ago
K
Kath   posted sudden onset of symptoms   in category: Discussions

I am a newly diagnosed case of bronchiectasis. So far, no NTM present. Yesterday, all of a sudden, I had severe chills, body aches, fatigue, and fever. As the afternoon progressed, my chest and entire abdomen started to hurt, and it was somewhat painful to take a deep breath. It was incredibly painful to cough. I went to an urgent care, where they did an X-ray that did not indicate pneumonia or anything else abnormal. They also ran a urine test to check for UTI. A sputum sample from about two weeks ago had indicated haemophilus, which my pulmonary doctor chose not to treat because I was feeling okay. The attending PA at Urgent Care prescribed doxycycline, which I started to take last night. Today, the fever is mostly gone, and the pain has subsided. No issues breathing. The fatigue is still present but not as bad 24 hours ago. My question is, is abdominal and chest pain, radiating also to my back, typical of an exacerbation? I have never had that sort of pain before, it was intense, and I was rather scared. Any advice on your experiences is appreciated. Thank you.

3 weeks ago
K
Ksmiles123  posted a Check-In

Hello! Were you able to watch the landing of Artemis 11 last evening? It was amazing to watch history in the making. We must believe that anything is possible in time.; more companies have shown interest in the field of BNTM over the past decade than ever before. BNTM Care Centers are opening up throughout the country, a greater number of medications and treatments are in the pipeline. Hold on to HOPE for better days ahead! https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c3dlnzv5r71t

3 weeks ago
K
Ksmiles123  posted a Check-In

Hello! A coping skills toolbox is a collection of strategies designed to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. These toolboxes can include various techniques and activities tailored to different situations and personal preferences.Components of a Coping Skills Toolbox may include - Coping Strategies: Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or journaling that help regulate emotions.Creative Activities: Engaging in art, music, or writing to express feelings and distract from stress.Physical Activities: Exercise or movement-based strategies such as walking that promote physical well-being and reduce anxiety.Social Connections: Encouraging interaction with friends or family to foster support and connection.ideas for building a personal coping skills toolbox. Identifying personal triggers, and having your toolbox ready will improve your daily life. A few items in my toolbox include listening to upbeat music, journaling, walking, trashing negative thoughts, not overbooking due to uncertainty of stamina , keeping things in perspective and celebrating little wins. Emotional health toolboxes  can help individuals create a personalized approach to be prepared in managing their emotional health more effectively. Do you have a coping skills toolbox idea to share with the community? 

3 weeks ago
3

Sometimes depression doesn’t look like what we expect.

It’s not always tears.
It’s not always obvious.

Sometimes it’s just feeling… off.
Like you’re there, but not really there.
Like everything takes more effort than it should.
Like you’re tired in a way that rest doesn’t fix.

And when you’re living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, or caring for someone who is — that weight can quietly build over time.

The physical side is already a lot.
The mental side can be just as heavy.

It might look like:
• Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
• Pulling back from people or conversations
• Feeling overwhelmed by small things
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Low energy, low motivation, or trouble focusing
• Being harder on yourself than you’d ever be on anyone else

And sometimes… you can’t quite explain it at all.

If this sounds familiar, please don’t brush it off.

Don’t ignore how you’re feeling. It matters.

You don’t have to “push through” everything on your own.
You don’t have to wait until it gets worse to say something.

We are a community here — and you matter here.

On the hard days, even something small can help:
a message, a check-in, a few minutes outside, a familiar song, a quiet moment to breathe.

And if all you can do today is get through the day — that counts.

You are not a burden.
You are not alone.
And you don’t have to carry this quietly.

If you feel up to it, what’s something that helps you when the days feel heavier? 💙

3 weeks ago
K
Ksmiles123  posted a Check-In

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?

3 weeks ago
K
Ksmiles123  posted a Check-In

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?

3 weeks ago
K
Ksmiles123  posted a Check-In

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?

3 weeks ago
K
Ksmiles123  posted a Check-In

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?

3 weeks ago
K
Ksmiles123  posted a Check-In

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

4 weeks ago
3

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? 💙

4 weeks ago
D
Dixiedeb  posted a Check-In

Having a flare up

4 weeks ago
L
Lucinda  posted a Check-In

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


4 weeks ago
L
Lucinda  posted a Check-In

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 

4 weeks ago
L
Lucinda  posted a Check-In

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

4 weeks ago
L
Lucinda  posted a Check-In

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


4 weeks ago
3

🌿 “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.

4 weeks ago
K
Ksmiles123  posted a Check-In

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

4 weeks ago
K
Ksmiles123  posted a Check-In

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

4 weeks ago
P
Priss  posted a Check-In

😄

1 month ago
K
Ksmiles123  posted a Check-In

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. 

1 month ago
K
Ksmiles123  posted a Check-In

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. 

1 month ago
C
Community Announcements   posted a new Blog What is an Adverse Drug Reaction?

1 month ago
C
Community Announcements   posted a new Blog COPD, Bronchiectasis and NTM Webinar Recording

1 month ago
C

1 month ago

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.

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙