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Navigating holiday gatherings can be joyful, heartwarming, and at times a bit challenging if you are sensitive to fragrance. Most people never think twice about perfume or scented candles.  Navigating holiday gatherings can be joyful, heartwarming, and at times a bit challenging if you are sensitive to fragrance. Most people never think twice about perfume or scented candles. But for those of us with asthma, bronchiectasis, or other chronic lung conditions and hypersensitive airways, strong scents can turn a celebration into an uncomfortable experience. Fragrance exposure can trigger coughing, chest tightness, or even an exacerbation. With a bit of preparation and open communication, you can enjoy the season while protecting your breathing and staying well. How to Communicate With Your HostIf you are sensitive to scent, you can gently let your host know before the gathering. Share that you are hypersensitive to scented candles and perfume and that these products can make you feel unwell. Most hosts appreciate clear communication and want their guests to be comfortable. Your host can then mention the scent sensitivity to invited guests or simply avoid using strongly fragranced items during the gathering. This is not being overly demanding. It is a small request that protects your health. What to Do If You Arrive and Scents Are Already PresentIf you walk in and notice a scented candle burning, it is appropriate to ask if it can be removed. A considerate host would far rather put out a candle than watch a guest feel miserable during dinner. A simple and warm request is all that is needed. Is Bringing Your Own Air Purifier AppropriateFor some people, a portable air purifier is not optional. It is a tool that prevents symptoms and helps them breathe comfortably. If this describes your situation, bringing an air purifier to Thanksgiving is entirely acceptable. The key is to let your host know in advance. A brief explanation, such as, I have a lung condition, and bringing a small air purifier helps me stay well, is usually enough. Hosts are often grateful for the clarity. You Are Not a Killjoy for Protecting Your HealthPeople sometimes worry that asking for fragrance-free accommodations makes them appear difficult. The truth is that you are advocating for your well-being. You are not taking anything away from the celebration. You are ensuring that you can participate fully and comfortably. A caring host wants you to feel well. They would never want a guest to become ill because of fragrance exposure. A Holiday Should Be Enjoyed, Not EnduredThe holidays are meant to bring connection, comfort, and shared joy. If avoiding fragrances or bringing your own air purifier helps you remain comfortable and well, you are doing the right thing—your health matters. Communicating openly makes it easier for your host to support you.
Protecting your breathing is never rude. It is responsible and thoughtful. When you take care of yourself, you can enjoy the holiday with more energy, more calm, and more presence.
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“I am strong, I am resilient, I embrace gratitude for each breath I take.” This is my daily meditation mantra, and it reflects the way I choose to move through life while living with bronchiectasis for more than 30 years.  I was diagnosed long before most people knew what this disease was or how to treat it. I have had two lobectomies and have faced every challenge bronchiectasis can bring. I continue to survive and thrive through determination, self-education, and fierce advocacy for myself. A Life Built on Movement and MindfulnessExercise has always been my constant companion. I had an early intuition that making my lungs as strong as possible would help protect my health. I was a long-distance runner in my younger years. Now, at age 66, I practice yoga, meditation, and aerobic exercise several times a week. Movement keeps me grounded, focused, and emotionally steady. Finding New Purpose Through CreativityBefore going on full disability due to BE, I worked as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. When that chapter closed, I turned to creativity. Art became my new way of expressing myself, first through watercolor and then through digital AI art. I am now an award-winning watercolor artist and digital creator. Art continues to bring me presence, joy, and emotional release. One of my greatest joys is creating AI images for children with cancer. I am part of a global Facebook community that sends artwork to pediatric cancer units around the world. It is one small way to offer comfort, connection, and imagination during the hardest moments. A mission that is very close to my heart. Living with Bronchiectasis Not Defined by ItBronchiectasis has not stopped me from living. It has given me a deeper sense of purpose. I embrace joyful moments, practice gratitude for every day of wellness, and create space for physical, emotional, and spiritual self-care. I am deeply grateful for this BE community. We share compassion, support, knowledge, and encouragement. It is so much easier to cope when we remember that none of us is alone. Hope for the Future with BrinsupriIn August, with FDA approval of the first-ever treatment for bronchiectasis, I was grateful to be among the first patients to begin taking Brinsupri™. My early response was encouraging, with less lung inflammation and a surge of energy. I had to pause treatment because of an unrelated issue. I remain hopeful and excited to resume in the New Year.
Having bronchiectasis means pacing ourselves. It means showing up for the things we care about, but doing them in a way that respects our energy.  It means offering to help, but choosing the parts we can do comfortably and at our own pace.
It also means conserving energy so we can enjoy the festivities too. And remember, you never have to overexplain yourself. The people who love and care about you do not need a manual to understand that you are doing your best. As you plan and prepare for Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays, keep this gentle reminder close. A recent Good Morning America segment introduced millions of viewers to bronchiectasis, a chronic lung condition that affects about 500,000 Americans.  Many people, including the woman interviewed, had never heard of it until diagnosis. What began as what she thought was pneumonia or a cold turned out to be a serious and progressive inflammatory disease that can cause ongoing coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue. What Is Bronchiectasis?Bronchiectasis is a non-contagious chronic lung disease where the airways become widened and damaged, making it difficult to clear mucus. This creates a cycle of infection and inflammation that can worsen over time if untreated. Because its symptoms often resemble asthma, COPD, or chronic bronchitis, many patients go years without a correct diagnosis. Common symptoms include:
Living with Bronchiectasis“That tiredness, it’s like you really can’t do the things you want to do, even simple things around the house.” The GMA story described how bronchiectasis impacts both daily life and emotional well-being. Weather changes, fatigue, and infections can limit social activities or even make leaving home difficult. Over time, many people find that managing energy levels and incorporating airway clearance into daily routines becomes a key part of staying healthy. The Importance of Early DiagnosisOne of the biggest takeaways from the Good Morning America feature is that bronchiectasis is often misdiagnosed or missed altogether. If you experience a chronic cough lasting a long time, or two or more respiratory infections in a year, ask your doctor for a chest CT scan and referral to a pulmonologist. Early diagnosis helps prevent further lung damage and allows for timely treatment, including antibiotics, airway clearance therapy, and lifestyle support. Managing the ConditionThere is currently no cure for bronchiectasis, but it can be managed successfully. A comprehensive plan may include:
Why Awareness MattersResearch organizations and sponsors such as Insmed are studying bronchiectasis and related infections like NTM (nontuberculous mycobacteria). Their work, combined with patient education and advocacy, is helping to change how this condition is recognized and treated. Public awareness ensures that more patients receive proper testing and care before irreversible damage occurs. Moving Forward Bronchiectasis may be chronic, but it does not define those who live with it. Education, early detection, and community support are essential to improving quality of life.
Learn more about evidence-based strategies and resources at BE CLEAR with Bronchiectasis and watch step-by-step educational videos on the BE CLEAR YouTube Channel. To watch the Good Morning America segment click here. When I talk about being clear with bronchiectasis, I don’t just mean lung function.  I mean clarity in three essential areas:
1. Keeping Your Lungs Clear with BronchiectasisMaintaining open, mucus-free airways is the foundation of bronchiectasis self-care. Daily airway clearance helps:
What to Include in an Airway Clearance Routine
For a deeper dive, explore my airway clearance Youtube playlist. 2. Clearing Up Misconceptions About BronchiectasisClear lungs are only part of the picture. We also need clear minds—free from misinformation. Unfortunately, inaccurate advice is common in online groups and social media. While personal stories can be comforting, they are not always based in science. Where to Find Reliable Information
3. Releasing Fear and Emotional Stress from BronchiectasisA bronchiectasis diagnosis often stirs strong emotions, including:
Strategies to Support Emotional Health
Living Well by Being Clear in Body, Mind, and SpiritWhen we commit to clarity in our lungs, mind, and spirit, we do more than manage bronchiectasis—we create conditions to thrive. By practicing daily airway clearance, choosing evidence-based knowledge, and tending to emotional well-being, we strengthen both our lungs and our overall quality of life. Understanding Bronchiectasis and MACI was diagnosed with two lung conditions--bronchiectasis (BE) and a Mycobacterium Avium Complex lung infection (MAC-LD).  Not long ago, both were considered rare. Today, thanks to better medical education and the widespread use of high-resolution CT scans, BE is being diagnosed more often. MAC, however, remains less common. These bacteria are present everywhere in our environment, but in most people they do not cause disease. The “Chicken or the Egg” QuestionWhen someone is diagnosed with both bronchiectasis and a MAC infection, doctors often describe it as a “chicken or the egg” scenario. Did the lung damage from bronchiectasis create an environment that allowed MAC to thrive, or did MAC infection trigger the development of BE? Risk Factors and Root CausesClues sometimes come from a person’s medical and lifestyle history. Pneumonia or chronic bronchitis, for example, can scar the lungs and lead to BE. In other cases, genetic factors may play a role. Occasionally, identifying these underlying conditions opens the door to targeted treatment. How My Story UnfoldedAlthough nothing is certain in my situation, I likely developed bronchiectasis after a severe pulmonary infection in my mid-50s. That inflammation may have made my lungs more vulnerable to MAC. And because MAC is everywhere—in soil, water, and air—exposure is difficult to avoid. For instance, during the years my husband and I lived upstate, I kept a large flower garden and regularly spread mulch. MAC thrives in mulch, which can easily become airborne and inhaled. Clearing a MAC Infection Through Self-CareFortunately, I was able to clear the MAC infection with a strong commitment to airway clearance, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and consistent stress management. These daily practices gave my body the best chance to heal and stay resilient. Why I Focus on Bronchiectasis in My BookIn my book, The BE CLEAR Method to Living with Bronchiectasis, I briefly share my “double-whammy” experience but focus primarily on bronchiectasis. That was intentional—many people with BE will never develop MAC or other Nontuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) infections. Reducing Risk in Everyday LifeStill, it’s important to talk about practical prevention. Simple steps, like wetting soil before gardening and wearing a mask while working outdoors, can reduce exposure and give peace of mind to those who want to be proactive. Build Your Own Bronchiectasis Self-Care PlanIf you would like help putting together a daily self-care management program, I can support you. As an experienced health educator and coach, I’ve worked with hundreds of individuals to create personalized plans that fit their lifestyle—covering airway clearance routines, exercise, nutrition, stress management, and long-term wellness strategies.
Together, we can build a program that helps you feel more in control of your health and confident in your day-to-day life. Many people assume it’s easy to tell the difference between a viral illness and a bacterial one.  But as Dr. Elisa Ignatius, an Infectious Disease expert specilaizing in bronchiectasis, at Johns Hopkins, explained at the Berkeley Patient Conference — it’s not always so clear-cut.
When you catch a respiratory virus, it doesn’t just make you feel lousy. Viruses like flu, RSV, and even the common cold can actually damage the lining of your airways, impair mucociliary clearance, and disrupt the function of immune cells that normally keep bacteria in check. This creates a vulnerable, “immunosuppressed” environment in the lungs and airways — giving bacteria that usually live harmlessly in your upper respiratory tract, like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus, the perfect opportunity to multiply and cause secondary infection. That’s why what starts as a routine viral illness can sometimes lead to a bacterial superinfection. For people with conditions like bronchiectasis or COPD, this dynamic can make flare-ups more severe and harder to manage. One clinical clue that suggests bacterial infection has taken hold? The so-called “double dip” — when symptoms improve at first, then worsen again, especially with new or higher fever, more productive cough, thicker sputum, and increased fatigue. It’s not a perfect rule, and antibiotics aren’t always necessary, but recognizing these patterns can help patients and clinicians make smarter decisions about when to treat and when to wait. Awareness of how viral and bacterial infections interact is key to staying on top of your lung health and preventing complications. 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 MostFor 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 IsolationAfter 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 ItUrinary 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. More open conversations lead to more awareness, more solutions, and less shame. Resources:PubMed: Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Study
#coughing #bronchiectasis #pelvicfloor #incontinence 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.  www.emoryhealthcare.org/services/pulmonology/conditions/bronchiectasisMiami (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. For more information about the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network, visit www.bronchandntm.org.  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. ✨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
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