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How much time do you spend managing bronchiectasis?
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Sep 11, 2025 | Replies (64)Comment receiving replies
Spider - You asked, I'll give you my opinion for what it's worth, based on closely following a lot of people whose research and knowledge I respect, including NTM research guru Dr Joe Falkinham, Dr Pamela McShane formerly of UT Tyler, and @becleartoday.
Caveat, I am a minimalist when it comes to gadgets because I have very little counter space, and also spend time in my small camper, so I have only ever used a saucepan on my stovetop.
Yes, a good quality baby bottle sterilizer will adequately sterilize your nebulizer, Aerobika and other equipment. Boiling for 10 minutes will do the same. I don't know if it has been lab-tested, but Dr Falkinham believes that the microwave steam sterilizers, if used long enough, should work too.
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CORRECTING MYSELF!
Dr Falkinham just posted on the NTM-ir forum about boiling vs baby bottle sterilizers vs steam
https://connect.ntminfo.org/discussion/using-steam-vs-boiling-for-cleaning-lung-equipment-dr-falkinham
Here is the bottom line according to Dr Falkinham -
Killing germs is a factor of time plus temperature. Boiling for 10 minutes (plus any adjustments for altitude) is the sure way to kill NTM and other bacteria.
Baby bottle sterilizers are effective IF the the equipment is exposed to the (contained) steam plus boiling water for at least 10 minutes.
Other methods (steam bags, pressure cooker) have not been tested. He is looking into getting that done.
Exposure to steam from an open pot/tea kettle is NOT effective for sterilizing because the steam temperature is below 212F when exposed to the ambient temperature.
This is the advice where I will hang my hat - Dr F has dedicated his career to studying NTM and where it lurks.
Caveat: This applies to sterilizing water and boiling equipment only. Drinking water can be purified through a filter with .2 micron pores or smaller. Just remember to sanitize the containers, straws and sippers you use regularly following the manufacturer's directions. Any biofilm in the straw, bottle and lid can be disrupted and rinsed away using Dawn and a bottle brush. There are many sizes of bottle brushes available.