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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.
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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 In this video, I show exactly how I treat the showerhead while staying in a rental condo—a practical tip that some of you may find helpful for travel or even as a long-term solution at home.  How I Stay Safe from Waterborne Pathogens—Even in a Rental Shower
These kinds of precautions might not be necessary for everyone, and they’re always best discussed with your healthcare provider.That said, if you’ve been told, “You can’t really avoid waterborne exposure,” or “There’s nothing you can do in a rental,” I invite you to see for yourself. You be the judge! Why This Matters: Insights from Dr. Joseph Falkinham on Shower Safety Dr. Joseph Falkinham—an environmental microbiologist and one of the leading researchers on nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM)—has spent decades studying how these bacteria, including Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), thrive in household water systems. 🔬Key Takeaways from Dr. Falkinham’s Research
💡 What You Can Do in a Rental House
Let’s Grow the BE CLEAR with Bronchiectasis YouTube Channel—Together! I’ve created over 100 free videos on the BE CLEAR YouTube channel to make helpful, accurate, and empowering information available to people living with bronchiectasis all over the world. One of the best features of YouTube is its built-in translation tools, making my content accessible to viewers in multiple languages. Whether you’re watching for yourself—or your dog enjoys the soothing sounds while you’re out running errands—every single view, share, and subscription helps the channel grow. 🎯 My goal: Reach 3,000 total watch hours so I can begin earning from the platform—and reinvest into creating even more educational content. 🙏 How You Can Help:
🧠 Final Thoughts Staying safe doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does require intention. With a little preparation and some trusted guidance, you can take small steps that make a big difference—whether you’re at home or on the go. I hope this video gives you something actionable, empowering, and even a little hopeful. #BEClearYouTube #OneMinuteshower #bronchiectasis Urinary incontinence—can affect anyone, but it’s especially common among women as we age or experience changes in our pelvic health.  What You Should Know About Urinary Incontinence—and What’s Helped Me Most For some, it’s just a small leak when laughing or coughing. For others, it might be a bigger accident during physical activity or even while at rest. Common triggers include:
🏋️♀️ Are Kegels the Answer? Most people have heard of Kegel exercises, which involve squeezing and holding the pelvic floor muscles to improve strength and control. But let’s be honest--Kegels can be hard to get right. Without biofeedback or guidance from a pelvic floor therapist, many people are unsure if they’re doing them correctly. In fact, a biofeedback study found that up to 50% of women perform Kegels incorrectly without instruction. 🔄 What Worked for Me: Functional Movement Over Isolation After having a hysterectomy in my 40s, I started experiencing occasional urinary leakage—especially when I had a bad cough or was active. Kegels alone didn’t help much, and honestly, I found them frustrating. That’s when I began focusing on functional movement and core integration—and everything changed. The exercises that helped me most included:
When I stay consistent with this approach, I rarely have leaks—even when I’m sick and coughing. Curious about what exercises to try? Check out The National Association for Continence or speak with a licensed pelvic floor physical therapist. 💬 Let’s Talk About It Urinary incontinence can feel isolating, but it’s incredibly common—and very treatable. Whether you’re just noticing small leaks or dealing with more significant issues, you’re not alone, and you’re not stuck. More open conversations lead to more awareness, more solutions, and less shame. 🩺 Resources: #coughing #bronchiectasis #pelvicfloor #incontinence I switched to the Ombra compressor nebulizing system after noticing that it was consistently prescribed at National Jewish Health, one of the world’s leading lung hospitals.  When working with clients, I often demonstrate my own airway clearance routine but always recommend consulting a respiratory professional whenever possible. Unfortunately, many people don’t have access to specialized care in their communities and must rely on manufacturer inserts, online videos, and our education sessions together.
Dr. Charles Daley, a world-renowned expert on bronchiectasis and NTM disease, recently said: “The cornerstone of therapy is what is termed airway clearance. Part of the pathophysiology of bronchiectasis is the airways produce too much mucus. The airways get plugged up. That makes people cough, it makes their pulmonary function worsen, and also their risk for infection increase. So airway clearance, and when we when we talk about that, there are several ways we can improve airway clearance. We can give someone what are called Oscillating PEP valves. These are handheld devices that you breathe (into), and it causes some vibration in the airwaves. It causes some back pressure, and that helps open the airways and shear the thicker mucus, so so the patient can get it out. My favorite is the Aerobika used in tandem with the Aeroeclipse nebulizing cup. There are other things we can do. We can give them inhaled hypertonic saline, which can thin the mucus. Vests are (what) people wear that also vibrate and can help break up the mucus. So there’s different approaches. In the exact way we do it varies from patient to patient. One may be on one of those, one may be on all of those.” Let’s remember airway clearance isn’t one-size-fits-all—it requires the right tools and techniques for each person. When specialized care isn’t available, education and the right resources empower people to take charge of their lung health. www.letsbecleartoday.com BE CLEAR has a consulting relationship with Monaghan Medical Thirty-three U.S. centers join the new Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network facilitating access to high-quality, specialized patient care for bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease.  Miami (March 12, 2025) – The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association has accepted 27 Care Center and six Clinical Associate Center sites in 23 states and the District of Columbia into the new Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network (CCN).
The CCN aims to facilitate access to specialized care and support for the hundreds of thousands of people with bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease. “As the prevalence of bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease grows, it is even more important for us to create this Care Center Network to improve access to high-quality, specialty care and resources patients need,” said Doreen Addrizzo-Harris, M.D., Chair of the CCN Steering Committee. “The CCN’s innovative, nationwide network will help us achieve our goals of improving care and quality of life for those with these conditions, as well as advancing toward a cure.” Centers accepted into the CCN receive a designation of either a Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center or a Bronchiectasis and NTM Clinical Associate Center, based on institutional resources and infrastructure. The requirements are established by the CCN’s Steering Committee, comprised of leading experts in the field. The new Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center sites are:
The network will span 150 medical centers in diverse geographical locations nationwide over the next three years. The Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network is generously supported by Insmed Incorporated as a Founding Sponsor and Boehringer Ingelheim. For more information about the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network, visit www.bronchandntm.org. #bronchiectasiscarecenters #NTMCare #COPDFoundation Let’s Talk Morning Routines! These are my top 3 products I use every morning. I thought I’d made a quick video to show you how and why they are my favorites! www.refluxraft.com/?utm_source=lindaesposito&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=affiliate
💡 A Simple Tool to Help Manage Reflux and Protect Your Lungs Did you know that reflux and aspiration can contribute to worsening lung conditions like bronchiectasis? That’s why managing reflux is such an important part of my daily routine. One product I’ve added to my Reflux Tool Kit is RefluxRaft. It forms a protective raft-like barrier on top of stomach contents, helping to reduce acid reflux—especially after meals and while lying down. I personally use RefluxRaft after breakfast and before bed to help minimize the chance of aspiration into the lungs, which is a known risk factor for lung inflammation and damage in people with bronchiectasis. ✨ It’s become an essential part of my Reflux Tool Kit! 🔗 Click here to learn more about RefluxRaft and how alginate therapy works to reduce reflux and support both digestive and respiratory health. ‼️ Important Note: As always, please consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your current care routine. 🤝 BE CLEAR with Bronchiectasis, LLC is proud to collaborate with RefluxRaft. #refluxraft #acidrefluxrelief #guthealth #alginatetherapy #refluxsupport #COPD Traveling with Bronchiectasis: How I Minimize MAC Exposure from Water When I travel, I take extra precautions to reduce my risk of exposure to Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC).  Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)—are a group of bacteria commonly found in water and soil that can be inhaled or aspirated into the lungs.
To stay safe, I either:
The answer lies in two common mechanisms:
We all occasionally micro-aspirate fluids—especially when something “goes down the wrong pipe.” For most healthy people, the lungs can clear these small amounts without issue. But for those of us with bronchiectasis, compromised mucociliary clearance makes it harder to remove aspirated material, which can lead to inflammation and chronic infection. Another risk factor is gastric reflux. Both acid and non-acid reflux can move from the stomach up into the esophagus and airways—especially during sleep. If this reflux contains MAC bacteria from drinking water that wasn’t neutralized by stomach acid, the lungs may be vulnerable to colonization. GERD Precautions to Lower Aspiration Risk If you’re managing GERD or concerned about silent reflux, here are some practical tips that may help:
To lower my exposure to environmental MAC bacteria, I avoid:
🧬 According to Dr. Joseph Falkinham, a leading microbiologist and expert on NTM exposure, “MAC thrives in biofilms in household water systems and is resistant to chlorine disinfection.” Finding Balance in Prevention Some bronchiectasis and MAC specialists take a more relaxed view on environmental exposure, suggesting patients avoid “bacteria fixation” and focus on quality of life. Others recommend more proactive strategies, especially for patients with recurrent infections or risk factors like GERD. Your care should be tailored. Talk to your pulmonologist or infectious disease specialist about what’s best for your health and lifestyle. 🩺 Find support: NTM Info & Research – Find a Doctor 💙 A Reminder Bronchiectasis is a lifelong condition, but it doesn’t mean you need to overhaul everything at once. Even small steps—like changing your water source or elevating your bed—can make a meaningful difference in reducing risk and preserving lung health. 📌 Helpful Resources: 🚫 What to Avoid:
💡 Pro Tips:
 Save the date! Join Bronchiectasis/NTM Info & Research and Running on Air for an insightful webinar with Professor James Chalmers on the latest updates from the European Bronchiectasis Workshop & Forum on Respiratory Tract Infections. Meet Prof. James D. Chalmers: A Leading Authority on Bronchiectasis When it comes to advancing bronchiectasis care, few names are as influential as Professor James D. Chalmers. As the Asthma and Lung UK Chair of Respiratory Research at the University of Dundee, Prof. Chalmers has dedicated his career to improving outcomes for individuals living with bronchiectasis. He is best known for his leadership in the European Multicentre Bronchiectasis Audit and Research Collaboration (EMBARC), an international research network that has transformed our understanding of bronchiectasis, and for serving as Chief Editor of the European Respiratory Journal. With over 350 peer-reviewed publications, Prof. Chalmers has made critical contributions to our understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of bronchiectasis. He is a key author of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines for the management of adult bronchiectasis, which offer clinicians trusted, evidence-based recommendations for bronchiectasis care. Professor Chalmers' Contribution to the Aspen Study Chalmers' groundbreaking work includes leading innovative clinical trials such as the ASPEN study involving Brensocatib, a potential first-in-class therapy targeting neutrophilic inflammation. For details on this trial, see the clinical trial registry entry for Brensocatib (NCT04594369). These studies are helping pave the way for precision medicine in bronchiectasis. Contribution to International Guidelines and Standards of Care Prof. Chalmers has also chaired and contributed to major international guidelines, including the 2017 ERS guidelines and the latest European Lung Foundation bronchiectasis management recommendations. His efforts continue to standardize care and improve quality of life for bronchiectasis patients around the world. Thanks to experts like Prof. Chalmers, the future of bronchiectasis care is looking brighter—with innovative therapies, patient-centered guidelines, and individualized treatment strategies leading the way. #Bronchiectasis Awareness #BronchiectasisResearch #JamesChalmers #ERSGuidelines #PrecisionMedicine #Brensocatib #RespiratoryHealth ✨Date: February 27 2025 ✨Time: 1 PM EDT |
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
April 2025
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