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I have to say, I really appreciate that the Australian organizers of the bronchiectasis conference are using the term “consumer” in addition to “patient.”  I often say “person with bronchiectasis” because we are people first. Sure, we are patients in a clinical setting, but in the broader context — we are informed individuals, community members, and yes, consumers of healthcare and knowledge.
You might think I’m being overly particular about language, but I respectfully disagree. Words shape how we see ourselves and how others treat us. When organizations choose person-first language, it signals respect and recognition of our full humanity — and that means a lot to me. Last year, when the World Bronchiectasis Conference was held in Dundee, Scotland, there were two 45-minute summary sessions. This year, the two sessions are each two hours because we asked for more information — and they heard us. European laws often restrict industry-sponsored content from being shared with non-healthcare professionals. These regulations aim to prevent:
In the meantime, we can look forward to expanded summary talks. So, let’s sign up to consume what’s sure to be excellent information! Consumer Session I & II Four hours of presentations, where conference speakers will present the chosen topics both on-site and online to consumers. Scheduling: Wednesday, July 16th 16:00 – 18:00 AEST (Time Eurozone / Africa / Asia friendly) Thursday July 17th 09:00 – 11:00 AEST (Time Americas zone friendly) Free registration: bronchiectasis-patient.org/2025/wbc/ Also so wonderful to see the Lung Foundation of Australia, the European Lung Foundation and the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association working together on this conference!! #WorldBronchiectasisConference2025 #Bronchiectasis #Australia #WBConf25
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I was eager to try the traditional dishes during a visit to a Berber family farm in the Atlas mountains, but I knew the bold spices could set off heartburn.  Luckily, I was prepared. After the meal, I took a couple of teaspoons of RefluxRaft. The result? No reflux—and I felt great. Good enough to continue up the winding mountain roads and take in more of the breathtaking countryside. Don’t let reflux hold you back. With a little planning, you can savor every bite—and every moment—of your vacation. Want to try It? Here’s a little bonus for you: 👉 Save with this discount code! As always, talk with your medical team before changing your current care! Proud collaboration between BE CLEAR with Bronchiectasis and RefluxRaft. #RefluxRaft #MindfulLiving #Bronchiectasis #RefluxSupport #SelfCare #AcidReflux #Travel #Vacation #Gerd #GerdAndBronchiectasis #Reflux #Heartburn #ControllingReflux That possibility is no longer just wishful thinking—it may soon become a practical reality, with multiple testing options on the horizon.  Why Diagnosing NTM-PD in Bronchiectasis Is So Challenging Since NTM pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is a treatable cause of bronchiectasis, international guidelines recommend testing sputum for mycobacteria during both initial evaluations and follow-up visits. But diagnosis can be tricky. Many people with bronchiectasis struggle to produce sputum, and traditional culture tests are not only time-consuming but also have low sensitivity. To complicate matters, the symptoms and CT scan findings of NTM-PD often overlap with those of bronchiectasis alone—making underdiagnosis a very real concern. Led by Dr. Chalmers and European Researchers A recent study titled Clinical Efficacy of Serum Antiglycopeptidolipid Core IgA Antibody Test for Screening Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease in Bronchiectasis: A European Multicenter Cohort Study, brings promising news. Led by Dr. James Chalmers and colleagues, the study analyzed data from 282 bronchiectasis patients. The results? Antibody levels were highly accurate in identifying individuals with true NTM-PD. Just as importantly, the test could distinguish those with active disease from patients with NTM isolation who didn’t meet diagnostic criteria. Why a Blood-Based Test Could Be a Breakthrough This could be a meaningful breakthrough for our bronchiectasis community. For those of us who can’t easily produce sputum, a blood test could one day replace the need for invasive bronchoscopies or help avoid unnecessary antibiotics. And in a community already burdened with anxiety, quicker and more accurate answers could mean less stress and peace of mind. Like I always say--stay the course. Help is on the way. Thank you, Dr. James Chalmers—aka Dr. Bronchiectasis. You are there for us every step of the way. #Bronchiectasis #NTMPD #NTMinfection #LungHealth #RespiratoryHealth #ChronicIllness #RareDisease #PulmonaryCare Let’s be honest—managing bronchiectasis can feel like a full-time job some days: ⭐️4 small meals a day ⭐️Twice-daily airway clearance ⭐️Exercise ⭐️Managing reflux It sounds like mission impossible, right?  But don’t worry—there’s a simple trick that can really help:
🛟 RefluxRaft to the Rescue! When you’re short on time and still need to fit in airway clearance or exercise, RefluxRaft can give you an extra layer of support. Here’s how it works: A teaspoon of this alginate-based supplement after meals (and before you get moving) creates a natural “raft” that floats on top of your stomach contents. This helps prevent reflux — especially when you don’t have 3 hours to wait. It’s made from seaweed (yes, really!) and forms a gentle, protective barrier to help prevent reflux. ✨Personal Tip:✨ I’ve been using RefluxRaft for months and like both the Lemon Ginger and Berry Burst flavors. Most importantly—they work‼️ Want to try It? Here’s a little bonus for you: 👉 Save with this discount link! https://refluxraft.com/discount/BECLEAR As always, talk with your medical team before changing your current care! Proud collaboration between BE CLEAR with Bronchiectasis, LLC and RefluxRaft. #RefluxRaft #MindfulLiving #Bronchiectasis #RefluxSupport #SelfCare #AcidReflux #TimeManagement #Gerd #GerdAndBronchiectasis #Reflux #Exercise #AirwayClearance I wouldn’t exactly call myself a handy person—but I do love the idea of having toolkits to manage bronchiectasis. One for infections, another for reflux (which can drive disease progression), and of course, my favorite: an airway clearance toolkit.  When I meet with clients, I often present information this way—packaged in practical, easy-to-understand terms. Not a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather a collection of tools they can explore with their medical team to figure out what works best for them.
In my latest YouTube video, I talk about the airway clearance toolkit. It’s not a deep dive into any one method (I do that in other videos – 119 altogether‼️), but a big-picture overview of the many tools available: breathing techniques, oscillatory PEP (OPEP) devices, vibration, vests, massagers, and most importantly—a relaxed, flexible attitude about getting mucus out. Because as we know, the process is often just as important as the outcome. Even if nothing “comes up” during a session, you’re still helping to mobilize mucus, improve airflow, and disrupt bacterial biofilms. And since I like to keep things light—even when talking about serious topics like airway clearance—I like to imagine the pathogens in my lungs getting a clear message: there’s a cop on the beat. The lungs aren’t sterile (we’ve known that for over 15 years), but I’m not letting anything get too cozy. I’ll hit them with hypertonic saline, shake things up with my vest and Aerobika, and generally create a very unpleasant environment for any bugs thinking of settling down. This is one of my longer videos—nearly 20 minutes—and there aren’t a ton of visuals, so it’s perfect to listen to while cooking, folding laundry, tackling other household chores or better yet, taking a walk. BE CLEAR with Bronchiectasis, LLC has a consulting relationship with Monaghan Medical Corp. The BE CLEAR Method to Living with Bronchiectasis — Discover the book that’s changing lives‼️ Living with bronchiectasis can be overwhelming—but you’re not alone.  In this empowering guide, patient educator Linda Esposito, MPH, introduces her BE CLEAR system: a seven-part program designed to help you manage your symptoms, put important systems in place, and live well with bronchiectasis.
The BE CLEAR Method combines evidence-based medical insights with practical lifestyle strategies, covering everything from airway clearance and infection control to nutrition, exercise, and emotional well-being. This isn’t just a book—it’s a roadmap to a more confident, informed life. Why Readers Recommend This Book: “This book is a godsend. I finally feel seen and understood.” — Carolyn H. “I’ve been living with bronchiectasis for over 10 years, and I still learned new things in every chapter.” — James R. “If you feel alone or confused about your diagnosis, read this. It’s like having a wise, kind friend walk you through it all.” — Alicia M. What You’ll Gain: ⭐ Clear, concise strategies for airway clearance and infection management ⭐ Insights into nutrition and self-care tailored for bronchiectasis ⭐ Guidance on building a supportive care team ⭐ A sense of empowerment and hope Join the community of readers who have found clarity and confidence through The BE CLEAR Method. Buy Now: The BE CLEAR Method to Living with Bronchiectasis on Amazon ⭐ #Bronchiectasis #LungHealth #ChronicIllnessSupport #NTMAwareness #BronchiectasisAwareness #PulmonaryWellness #AirwayClearance #RespiratoryHealth #BronchiectasisSupport #LindaEsposito Many of us in the bronchiectasis community have followed the development of brensocatib for years — from the promising results of the Phase 2 WILLOW trial to the eagerly awaited findings of the Phase 3 ASPEN trial.  While preliminary results were publicly shared last year and widely discussed at the 2023 Bronchiectasis World Conference in Dundee, Scotland, the news has now reached a significant milestone: the findings have been formally published in The New England Journal of Medicine — one of the most respected and influential medical journals in the world.
I knew this publication was on the horizon. Dr. Chuck Daley, a key voice in bronchiectasis care and research, has referenced it in multiple recent talks. Seeing it in print is a powerful moment — not just for him and the incredible research teams involved, but for all of us living with the daily challenges of bronchiectasis. It represents hope, validation, and real scientific momentum. As always, let’s stay the course while we wait for what may come next. That means keeping our weight in a healthy range, choosing nutrient-rich foods, doing our daily airway clearance, exercising regularly, managing GERD, and just as importantly — having faith, staying connected, and taking deep breaths when we need to. Because now more than ever, it feels like help is on the way. You’ve probably heard the old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.” But did you know that this isn’t just feel-good fluff? Norman Cousins, former editor of The Saturday Review, brought this idea to the forefront in his groundbreaking 1979 book, Anatomy of an Illness. Faced with a painful degenerative condition and grim odds of recovery, Cousins took his healing into his own hands—with humor.  He created his own laughter therapy, watching classic comedies like Candid Camera, The Three Stooges, and The Marx Brothers.
The results were remarkable: not only did his pain decrease, but he credited laughter as a significant part of his remission. Cousins’ personal experiment was so compelling that it was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Although many in the medical community were initially skeptical, researchers began to take note. In the 1980s, preventive care specialist Dr. Lee Berk led studies showing that laughter reduces stress hormones and supports immune function. The science was catching up to the smiles. Then in 1995, Dr. Madan Kataria of Mumbai took it a step further with the creation of the first Laughter Yoga club. His practice, which combines deep breathing, clapping, and playful group exercises, quickly went global. Thousands of laughter yoga clubs exist today, encouraging people to laugh—not just as a reaction, but as a practice. I experienced this firsthand during a Laughter Yoga class I stumbled into while on vacation. At first, I was hesitant. The idea of forced laughter felt, well, kind of ridiculous. But after a few deep breaths and shared silly “hee hee, ha ha ha” chants with a group of strangers, something shifted. We ended up in real, full-belly laughter—and I walked away feeling lighter, calmer, and more connected. This experience reminded me of something easy to forget when managing a chronic condition like bronchiectasis: healing isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you feel while doing it. For those of us living with bronchiectasis, the day-to-day can become consumed by managing symptoms--airway clearance routines, staying on top of medications, navigating fatigue, and trying to keep inflammation and infections at bay. Add to that the ongoing effort of staying active and eating well, and the weight of it all can start to dull our joy. That’s why balance is so critical. Yes, airway clearance is essential—it keeps our lungs moving and helps prevent exacerbations. Exercise builds respiratory strength and endurance, and healthy cooking fuels our bodies with nutrients that support immunity and recovery. But just as vital is making room for stress reduction and, yes, even fun. Laughter, relaxation, and shared joy aren’t extra—they’re therapeutic. The Mayo Clinic backs this up, noting that laughter reduces stress, soothes tension, improves mood, and even boosts immunity. And for people with bronchiectasis, every bit of stress relief counts. Chronic stress can compromise immune function, increase inflammation, and make symptoms feel heavier. So, what does this look like in real life? It might be building a weekly rhythm that includes:
When we frame laughter and joy as part of our self-care, not a distraction from it, we begin to feel whole again—not just as people with a diagnosis, but as full human beings who need connection, levity, and balance. So today, let’s not only commit to our health routines—but also to our happiness. Whether it’s a belly laugh or a gentle chuckle, may you find a moment of joy and let it breathe new life into your lungs. Feeling tired? No pep? Short of breath more than in the past? If everyday tasks seem daunting due to fatigue and weakness, consider pulmonary rehab to regain your strength.  Pulmonary rehabilitation isn’t just about breathing exercises, it’s a holistic approach to revitalizing your overall well-being with exPercise classes, nutritional guidance, and improving airway clearance techniques.
With an array of options available, including online programs, finding the right pulmonary rehabilitation program will require a little research. Seek recommendations from your doctor or explore centers affiliated with hospitals or bronchiectasis specialists. Benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation: 🌟Boosts your stamina 🌟Improves Quality of Life 🌟Reduces breathlessness 🌟Strengthens respiratory muscles 🌟Improves self-management Remember, if you feel you are in a downward spiral, you need to take action to stop it. Even a small step in the right direction can make a big difference. Once you’ve completed your program, my book, The BE CLEAR Method to Living with Bronchiectasis has 10 exercises to help you stay strong and breathe better. Additionally, the BE CLEAR with Bronchiectasis YouTube channel I have gentle exercise routines. If you have a Gmail account, you can subscribe to my channel and be notified when a new video is available. #pulmonaryrehab #bronchiectasis #COPD #exercise I shared with my 24-year-old granddaughter how much I dislike promoting my book, consultation services, and YouTube channel. She looked at me and said, “But why, Grandma? If you believe in the work you’ve done and know it’s helping people, why feel embarrassed about sharing it?"  She had a point. My book, The BE CLEAR Method to Living with Bronchiectasis, has made a difference for thousands of people since its publication in 2021.
I also regularly receive heartfelt emails from clients after consultations, expressing gratitude for the personalized guidance. Many share how they’ve gained a sense of control over their condition. With tailored suggestions designed for their unique lifestyles, they’re able to see a clear path forward—one that shows how they can live a full and active life while managing bronchiectasis. Then there’s the BE CLEAR with Bronchiectasis YouTube channel, which now features over 100 videos—a completely free resource for subscribers. Even though it may be years before I earn income from it, the real reward comes from knowing that people across the globe—especially those without local resources—are getting the tools and knowledge they need to better care for themselves. So, inspired by my granddaughter’s wisdom, I’m embracing the importance of sharing. If you or someone you care about could benefit from these resources, please check them out! With these BE CLEAR tools, we can kick off a renewed determination and a deeper commitment to living our best life. 🩵The BE CLEAR Method book is available on Amazon 💙Right here on my website letsbecleartoday.com, you can schedule a consultation: 💛Visit the BE CLEAR with Bronchiectasis YouTube channel for lots of FREE tutorials on how to stay our healthiest!! Please spread the word in your bronchiectasis and NTM Lung Disease support groups and on social media about these resources⭐️❤️⭐️❤️ #bronchiectasis #beclearmethod #LindaEspositoMPH |
AuthorLinda Cooper Esposito, MPH is a health educator with bronchiectasis. She developed the BE CLEAR Method to Living with Bronchiectasis and writes with compassion and humor about this chronic lung disease. Archives
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