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Overwhelmed by Bronchiectasis "Must dos"? Watch this video!
We've all been there - newly diagnosed with Bronchiectasis, MAC, Pseudomonas - things we never heard of before - we turn to the internet, where "Dr Google", AI, Facebook groups, Mayo Connect... Everyone has advice on what we "must do" to get or stay healthy. Pretty soon, we wonder if we can even live a semi-normal life and fit it all in.
For years, I have tried to share my philosophy of choosing the most critical areas, and following precautions, but not "going overboard." Often, I felt like a voice calling in the wilderness - even began to doubt the way I was living.
But, this presentation by Dr Jennifer Honda, at the 2025 NJH Conference, speaks my language:
It is only 35 minutes long, and well worth your time!
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Sue, thank you for this information from Dr. Jennifer Honda at NJH.
Please help!! If you or anyone else has information on recurring pseudomonas and any ways to keep it from returning once it seems to have subsided, I would so much appreciate any responses.
I have been a patient at NJH since November of 2023, during which time I had no exacerbations that required antibiotics.......until in October of 2025 I caught a cold from a family member which two days later went to my chest and subsequently caused pneumonia. After taking 14 days of 750 mg 1x daily Levaquin, it seems my colonized pseudomonas has cleared, according to a sputum induced culture taken several weeks after finishing the antibiotics.
If anyone has any tips to keep this smart pseudomonas bacteria at bay, I would so appreciate hearing.
Thank you and wishing good health to all.
Pamela Martin (Happy 2023)
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3 Reactions@happy2023
Of course saline neb at least twice a day. But otherwise the usual recommendation to keep it at bay is inhaled Toby or Cayston and or Azithromycin three days a week. You are lucky the Levaquin worked for now!
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2 ReactionsI found this video to be very helpful. I like that the information is data driven but delivered in plain English. It helps me to remember that I cannot keep my enviroment 100% bacteria free but I can do things that will help to lower my exposure. AND Try not to obsess over all the things I cannot control!!
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7 ReactionsAs always Sue is an inspiring voice!
Very helpful information! Thank you, Sue!
I was reminded of one question lurking in the back of my mind. Dr Honda mentions the concerns about drinking water and the data on tap vs spring water vs bottled water, also UV bottle filters. But what is the concern exactly? MAC isn't spread by drinking it, it's spread by breathing it. Is there a concern that even the tiny bit that might (??) be aerosolized when you are drinking water could be breathed in?
@lvnl I believe the main concern is for those who have GERD. Regurgitation into the esophagus can be inhaled. Please, someone, correct me if you have other information.
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2 ReactionsThis is an excellent, data-driven presentation! Thanks for sharing!