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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
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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 |
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
May 2025
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