Oral bacteria research is booming and in the coming years, we’re set to gain a clearer picture of how these bacteria impact the lung microbiome. It’s amazing to think that our mouths host over 700 types of bacteria—some helpful, some harmful, and some we’re still trying to figure out. For those of us managing NTM infections like MAC, here’s a bit of reassurance: NTM bacteria are typically absent in the mouth. However, coughing can bring secretions into our mouth, where they might settle on our toothbrush. I personally rotate through several toothbrushes and give mine a quick scrub with dish soap every day. I also use a Bril UV sanitizer from Amazon to disinfect my toothbrush after each use, letting it air-dry afterward. This setup is super handy when I travel. At home, I put my toothbrushes in a Bololo baby bottle sterilizer, along with my airway clearance devices.🦷❤️ One key tip—don’t store your toothbrush in a shared cup and be sure to keep it far from the toilet! Studies have found pseudomonas bacteria from toilets on nearby toothbrushes.😱🚽 Finally, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential for a healthy mouth, which supports overall health.🦷🪥🦷 #ToiletLidDown #oralhygiene #lunghealth #toothbrushcare #bacteriaprevention #respiratoryhealth #microbiome #mouthhealth #uvsterilizer #toothdecay #bronchiectasis #dentalcare #maclungdisease #ntminfections #cysticfibrosis #pseudomonas #hygienetips #infectionprevention#haemophilus
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⭐️⭐️BE-America Series⭐️⭐️
🇺🇸🇺🇸Katie from Missouri🇺🇸🇺🇸 If you’ve been following my page for a while, you might remember an essay I wrote at the beginning of 2023 about Katie. She faced a life-altering accident in high school. She was airlifted from her farm to a hospital, spent a week on a ventilator, and had her upper right lung lobe removed. I thought it would be inspiring to check in and see how Katie is doing now. Here’s what she shared: “In recent years, Linda’s ongoing support has motivated me to adopt even more healthy habits. I’m now focused on clean eating, enjoying regular exercise, and practicing mindfulness to ease lingering anxiety. Earlier this year, an integrative health clinic helped me understand my body’s challenges with detoxification, and I learned new ways to support these pathways. My daily airway clearance routine is now manageable and includes using the Smartvest, Aerobika, and a nebulizer with albuterol and saline, plus an inhaler for asthma—though I hope to reduce these over time. Hiking, yoga, HIIT workouts, meditation, breathing exercises, and detox practices have all become regular parts of my life, reminding me of the body’s powerful capacity to heal when given the right support. I no longer see myself as “sick”, instead, I believe I’m actively healing. I feel less afraid to try new things and travel and I’m more excited to embrace life for myself and my family. Now, as a 6th-grade science teacher, I still find inspiration in Linda’s book, using it as a valuable resource. Outside of teaching, I’ve discovered a love for cooking and enjoy creating colorful, nourishing meals that support my health. I’ve also embraced new wellness practices including Jin Shin, filtering my water with a Lifestraw pitcher, using air filters at home and in my classroom and switching to non-toxic cleaning products (I always wear a mask doing housework) and cosmetics. Each small step feels like progress, and I genuinely believe in my body’s ability to heal.” Thank you, Katie, for continuing to share your journey with us!! Your spirit is lighting our way🔥 Katie's original post- https://www.letsbecleartoday.com/be-clear-blog/be-america-series-katie-from-missouri#/ #bronchiectasis #selfcare #healingjourney #overcomingadversity #smallsteps #artofjinshin 🌙 Is Sleep Really That Important? 🌙
Would our wonderfully complex bodies really dedicate so much time to sleep if it weren’t essential? Scientists say a lot goes on while we’re in deep slumber! During this time, our brains perform crucial checks, ensuring everything is running smoothly and clearing out waste. When we skimp on sleep, it can hinder brain function, especially for those with chronic illnesses, leading to concerning consequences. In my book, “The BE CLEAR Method to Living with Bronchiectasis,” I share valuable tips for creating a soothing bedtime routine. It’s available on Amazon—check it out! You can find the link in my bio or simply copy and paste this URL: https://a.co/d/4kZIvM7 ✨ How well do you sleep? What’s your nighttime ritual? Share your tips for falling asleep and staying asleep below! #SleepMatters #SleepHygiene #BedtimeRoutine #DreamBig #HealthAndWellness #SelfCare #Relaxation #NightTimeRituals It’s New York Marathon time, and excitement is everywhere! Living just a few streets from the finish line, I’ve been inspired by the athletes who have filled my neighborhood. It got me thinking—are you an athlete with bronchiectasis? As a Yale-educated health educator with certifications in personal trainer and yoga, I focus more on overall fitness and health than intense athleticism. Yet, I’ve worked with several clients with bronchiectasis who are dedicated athletes and I truly admire their stamina and determination. However, I’ve noticed that some of them frequently struggle with infections, potentially due to overexertion. When managing bronchiectasis, inflammation control and infection prevention are essential. Your body needs good nutrition, adequate rest and recovery time to maintain health. If you often feel run-down or unwell after intense activities like marathons, long hikes, climbs, or bike rides, it might be worth reviewing your routine. I’ve noticed that when I push myself on a long hike or workout session, I sometimes end up with a low-grade fever. It’s my body’s way of telling me I went a bit too far. Consider trying a three-month period of reduced activity to see if it positively impacts your health. Consulting with a sports nutritionist could also be beneficial, as they can help ensure you’re fueling your body appropriately. Additionally, check your rest and sleep habits to ensure they’re supporting your recovery. I would never suggest giving up something you’re passionate about. Rather, it’s about finding the right balance to keep you active, healthy, and infection-free. As always, consult your medical team before making any changes to your current routine. #NewYorkMarathon #Bronchiectasis #FitnessJourney #AthleteLife #HealthAndWellness #Stamina #Determination #MindfulExercise Happy Halloween!!!! Let's talk about how to support your body if you have bronchiectasis and NTM Lung Disease!!
#halloween #treatyourself #healthyBMI Did you listen to the podcast series on bronchiectasis and NTM (MAC) lung disease that I recently recommended?
It’s called NTM Talk (ntmtalk.com) and created by pulmonologist Dr. Colin Swenson and infectious disease specialist Dr. Wendi Drummond. They’re both experts in their fields, and they do a great job of making complex topics understandable and engaging. Even if you don’t have NTM, I highly recommend listening to the podcast. There are many episodes that talk about bronchiectasis. One episode that I found particularly helpful was on vacationing and reflux. Dr. Swenson mentioned the association between worsening bronchiectasis and aspirating gastric contents into our lungs from reflux. He talked about how many people come back from vacation with exacerbations because they’re eating later, drinking more alcohol and sleeping flat. With this in mind, I try my best to elevate the head of my bed while traveling. Technically I don’t have reflux, but because we often eat later than usual, I take precautions. In Portugal, the mattress was light and I was able to lift the top and wedge my knee under it to hold it up. Then, I placed pillows between the mattress and the boxspring. I refer to this as the “Jane technique” because bronchi-sis Jane recommended it last year when I was traveling and it worked well. Here in Morocco, the mattress is about 20 inches deep and too heavy to lift. So instead, I opted for using multiple pillows and taking an alginate before bedtime. I’ve discussed alginates in the past and have been using them regularly for the past six months. It’s an algae based product that forms a raft on the top of our stomach contents to prevent reflux. If you go online, you can find out more about alginates. The one I use regularly, RefluxRaft, is made from all natural ingredients and I am partial to the lemon ginger flavored one. What do you do while traveling to prevent reflux? Do you bring an inflatable wedge? Have you tried an alginate? www.letsbecleartoday.com #bronchiectasis #NTM #MAC #lungdisease #NTMTalk #podcast #reflux #vacation #alginate #travelhacks #lunghealth People ask me how I managed to clear a MAC infection without antibiotics. My response is always the same: there's no secret! I've detailed everything in my book, "The BE CLEAR Method to Living with Bronchiectasis."
The BE CLEAR Method focuses on seven self-care areas that can help manage bronchiectasis: 1. **Breathing Practices** 2. **Exercise** 3. **Clearance of Airways** 4. **Laughter** 5. **Eating and Drinking** 6. **Alternative Care** 7. **Relaxation, Rest, and Sleep** The first letter of each of these steps forms the acronym "BE CLEAR," representing a practical and achievable approach to better health. I'm fascinated by the process of creating new habits. James Clear, in his book "Atomic Habits," shares the story of a cycling coach for the British team. Before his tenure, the team wasn't winning races. By making small, incremental changes in areas like bike maintenance, clothing, exercise, diet, and sleep, he transformed their performance, leading to multiple Tour de France victories. The BE CLEAR Method follows a similar holistic approach. Unlike a race, our goal is to achieve optimal health while living with a chronic condition. There's no rush to master all seven steps at once—this isn't a competition. Instead, focus on an area that interests you and gradually develop supportive habits. Over time, you can address other areas that need improvement. Eventually, you'll build a robust self-care program that may help slow the progression of lung disease. This method has been effective for me. While I can't claim to be "cured"—as these lung bacteria are persistent—I'm pleased with how I feel and confident in my management of bronchiectasis. It's important to note that this self-care approach should complement traditional medical care. Always consult your medical team before making changes to your current practices. You can find "The BE CLEAR Method" book on Amazon. http://tinyurl.com/f8j27mny #bronchiectasis #beclear #beclearmethod #yeswecan #bronchiectasisbook If I were stranded on a deserted island, my ideal companion would be Judy Schloss, a respiratory therapist and the Clinical Manager at Monaghan Medical Company. I would choose Judy for several reasons. First of all, as an experienced respiratory therapist, she could help keep my airways clear. This is assuming my equipment was lost at sea during the shipwreck. But it's not just her professional expertise. She's also resourceful and one of the best problem-solvers I know. Living on a farm, she's adept at handling challenges—like transporting chickens in her car—and could easily fend off feral pigs on the island. And perhaps even capture one for dinner. Most importantly, Judy is genuinely nice. Over the years that I've been a consultant for Monaghan Medical, I've come to cherish our monthly talks where she updates me on airway clearance advancements and answers my questions. Whether discussing community issues or my personal health concerns, Judy is always supportive. Recently when I had Covid and needed to regain my voice for a bronchiectasis video series, she was my go-to. She calmed me down and suggested some practical solutions. Judy is an “all-in” person, and over the last several years has become an expert in bronchiectasis and NTM diseases. In the attached photos, you can see her standing in front of co-authored research at the 6th World Bronchiectasis Conference in New York City, with Dr. James Chalmers (aka Dr. Bronchiectasis) at the 7th World Bronchiectasis Conference in Scotland and proudly displaying a name tag ribbon she made to spark discussions about NTM lung disease at a respiratory care conference. As we celebrate Respiratory Care Week in October, I want to honor Judy Schloss for her dedication and big heart. Thank you, Judy, for always taking the time to answer questions from our BE community and for being a good friend. #WorldneedsmoreRTs #RespiratoryCareWeek #RCWEEK24 #RespiratoryTherapist #JudySchloss #MonaghanMedical #AirwayClearance #Bronchiectasis #NTMDisease #LungHealth #RespiratoryHealth #WorldBronchiectasisConference #RRT Dr. Jakko van Ingen, a leading microbiologist and NTM expert, is dedicated to finding treatment solutions for those of us living with MAC and M. abscessus. As the head of the Mycobacteriology Reference Lab at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands, he's at the forefront of research and treatment development. I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. van Ingen at the 2023 World Bronchiectasis Conference in New York. I was impressed by his passion and expertise; he's not only a brilliant scientist but also a genuinely friendly and engaging person. One of his latest projects involves looking at bacteriophages (phages) for their potential use in treating a fast-growing NTM called M. abscessus. By collaborating with existing phage banks, Dr. van Ingen is working towards expanding the available resources and accelerating research in this promising area. Stay tuned for more about Dr. van Ingen's groundbreaking work with hollow fiber models! #NTM #bronchiectasis #science #research #healthcare #microbiology #bacteriophages #Mabscessus #innovation #phages #treatment #health #medicalresearch #lunghealth #phagetherapy #RadboudUniversity #Mycobacteriology #NTMinfections #bronchiectasisawareness #medicalscience #publichealth #NTMninja Mamma Mia! Wait until I tell you this story…
A couple of weeks ago, I recorded videos with two incredible people: Dr. Tim Aksamit from the Mayo Clinic and the new Assistant Director of Bronchiectasis and NTM, Alyssa Dittner, BS, RRT. My biggest concern was whether I would have a voice. Many of us with bronchiectasis experience hoarseness but additionally, I was battling a virus, a low-grade fever and brain fog.😱😱😱 Adding to the drama, Alyssa lost power at home and had to use her phone as a hotspot on her porch to moderate the discussion. When her phone died, she rushed to a nearby coffee shop for Wi-Fi. Throughout all this, Dr. Aksamit was our island of calm, reassuring us that we would do a fine job—because that’s just who he is. We managed to pull it off, though I'm hesitant to listen because I'm sure I sound like a frog.🐸🐸🐸 Those of us living with chronic illness know that we often tackle challenges when we're not at 100%. But if it's important to us, especially when helping others, we rise to the occasion. Here is Medlive, the producer of the event’s announcement: 📣 Coming 9/30! Don't miss this important discussion on non-cystic fibrosis #bronchiectasis (#NCFBE) 🫁 Join us for these #PatientEducation sessions as a #pulmonologist & a patient with NCFBE explore recognition & diagnosis, management strategies, & emerging therapies 👏 Register now ➡️ https://bit.ly/4gvXiO9 Please sign up now!! I need your support!💜🩵💙 #Bronchiectasis #ChronicIllness #HealthJourney #PatientEducation #Pulmonology #HealthcareHeroes #Resilience #OvercomingObstacles #HealthAdvocacy |
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
September 2024
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