Blog

What Is the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network?

This blog post was authored by Lucinda Shore and reviewed by the Bronchiectasis and NTM Content Review and Evaluation Committee.As bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease become more common in the U.S., getting a quick, accurate diagnosis and expert care is very important. To help meet this need, the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association created the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network (CCN).The CCN connects people to medical centers throughout the U.S. that provide expert care and treatment, high-quality education, advice, and support for those living with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease. The CCN gives sites one of two designations:Care Center: These centers offer a clinical research program, treat hundreds of people with bronchiectasis and NTM, and provide direct access to specialists (like dietitians or psychologists) for immediate care.Clinical Associate Center (CAC): CACs provide high-quality, expert care, but may see fewer people with both conditions, may be less involved in research, and may not have access to specialists within the center.

Press Release

Bronchiectasis and NTM Association announces collaboration with Insmed on first-in-disease observational study evaluating real-world effectiveness of brensocatib in non-CF bronchiectasis

The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association today announced a collaboration with Insmed Incorporated, on a multicenter, prospective study designed to evaluate the real-world effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of brensocatib in adult patients with non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis.

Discussion

Immunology 101 Explained

August is National Immunization Month. I thought I would review IMMUNOLOGY 101.Ever wonder what actually happens inside your body after you get a vaccine? 💉Think of your immune system as your body’s security team. Its job is to recognize things that don’t belong—such as bacteria and viruses—and respond to them. What does a vaccine do?A vaccine gives your immune system a safe preview of a specific germ or part of it.It essentially says: “Here’s what the enemy looks like. Learn it now, so you’re ready if you encounter it later.”Your immune system responds by making antibodies and immune memory cells. If the real germ appears later, your immune system can recognize it and respond much faster.When you already have chronic lung disease, avoiding additional respiratory infections can be particularly important.Vaccines don’t prevent every respiratory infection but they can help protect against other vaccine-preventable infections that may cause serious respiratory illness or complications.Your age, health conditions, previous vaccinations and medications can all affect which vaccines you need and when. Vaccination isn’t about making your immune system “stronger.” It’s about training your immune system to recognize a specific threat before you encounter the real thing.And immunity isn’t always perfect. You can sometimes still become infected after vaccination—but vaccination can reduce the risk of serious illness.Please ask your healthcare team to review your vaccination history and discuss which vaccines are appropriate for you.Knowledge is part of your BNTM lung-health toolkit. 🫁💙 Do you have plans for your next vaccination?