Bronchiectasis and NTM Association

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Living with bronchiectasis or NTM can affect emotional well-being as well as lung health. In this episode, Dr. Marc Sala, CCN Director at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, explores practical ways to manage stress and anxiety, including breathing exercises, mindfulness, movement, and social connection. Learn how to discuss mental health with your care team and choose one small step to support your well-being.

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In the final episode of our three-part series, Nancy returns to share what happened after she took her first trip since being diagnosed with bronchiectasis in 2019.

Traveling to Williamsburg, Virginia, Nancy learned how preparation, flexibility, and support helped her manage symptoms, treatments, fatigue, and unexpected challenges.

Her story is a reminder that, with preparation, flexibility, and support, life after diagnosis can still include meaningful experiences, new memories, and adventure.

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Dr. Kenneth Olivier from the UNC Bronchiectasis/NTM Care and Research Center shares vaccination and immune system enhancing strategies for people living with bronchiectasis and NTM. He reviews five vaccines recommended by the CDC plus one additional option for added protection, and offers practical lifestyle tips to support immune health, including nutrition, exercise, hydration, and stress management.

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In honor of World NTM Day, Dr. Ashwin Basavaraj, Associate Director of the Bronchiectasis and NTM program at NYU Langone Health, presents an overview of airway clearance essentials for individuals living with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease. He explains the purpose of airway clearance in the lungs, its long-term importance, how clinicians select from various techniques and devices, and much more.

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Join Dr. Ahmed Hamdi, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, as he focuses on nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease. He provides an overview of the disease process, discusses who is at risk, and explores starting treatment versus watchful waiting, potential side effects, and practical tips for navigating therapy.

Interested in joining the Coffee Break session live? Register here:

https://copdf.co/BronchNTM-coffeebreak.

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In this episode, Stephany, a young professional and mom living with bronchiectasis, talks about how she balances her health, career, and family. Her honesty and resilience offer encouragement to anyone managing a chronic illness without losing sight of their goals or their joy.

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In this episode, Dr. Shoshana Zha and Dr. Rocio Hurtado discuss how health equity and access affect people living with chronic lung disease. They explore how factors like where a person lives, income, race, language, and insurance can impact diagnosis, access to specialists, and treatment. The conversation highlights how policy, clinical care, education, telehealth, advocacy, and the work of the Care Center Network's Health Equity and Access Team can help close these gaps.

Disclaimer: This podcast is provided by Bronchiectasis and NTM Association as an educational resource only and should not be considered as offering medical advice. This information should not be used as a substitute for a physician's professional judgment in providing advice, diagnosis, or treatment for any medical or health condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regiment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

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JDr. Ashwin Basavaraj, Associate Director at NYU Langone Health, explores how many people are labeled with “severe asthma” or “COPD” when there may be underlying lung damage that has not been fully evaluated. In this episode, we unpack how asthma, COPD, and other disorders can overlap with bronchiectasis and NTM, and why these connections are so often missed. We discuss key red flags such as daily mucus production, frequent infections, and repeated hospitalizations, and talk about when to push for tests like CT scans and testing.

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Join Dr. George M. Solomon, Center Director at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, as he breaks down the complexities of exacerbations (flare-ups). In this episode, Dr. Solomon explains how infections, environmental triggers, and the lung microbiome contribute to worsening symptoms. Learn about the latest treatment strategies, including the use of antibiotics and airway clearance, as well as how emerging research and clinical trials are shaping the future of care.

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with John Torrence, a seasoned traveler and patient ambassador for the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association, alongside Nancy, who is eager to rediscover the joys of travel after her diagnosis. In this episode, we explore Nancy’s evolving approach to travel planning as she shares her progress in organizing her trip to Williamsburg, VA. Discover the thoughtful steps she’s taken to prepare, the concerns she’s faces, and how her perspective on travel has changed throughout this journey. If you missed part one, episode 11, be sure to catch up on Nancy's story.