Bronchiectasis and NTM 360

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease that affects hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. It is characterized by the widening of the small airways, which allows for the collection of mucus in the airways, and in turn causes recurring lung infections. Nontuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease is common in individuals with Bronchiectasis. NTM are naturally occurring bacteria, some of which cause lung infections.

The incidence and prevalence of NTM lung disease continues to increase in the US with a significant overlap between COPD and NTM (52% of NTM diagnosis in a US healthcare survey had COPD, 37% had bronchiectasis) as reported by Winthrop et al in February 2020 Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

Data from the COPDGene® study demonstrated that 383 participants out of 1184 (32%) had radiographic bronchiectasis. Smokers with radiographic bronchiectasis and emphysema have worse lung function and exercise capacity than individuals with bronchiectasis and no emphysema.¹

In an effort to meet the needs of the Bronchiectasis and NTM communities, the COPD Foundation has created Bronchiectasis and NTM 360, which comprises of BronchandNTM360social, educational information and materials, and research programs such as the Bronchiectasis and NTM Research Registry. The 360 approach mobilizes partnerships across all stakeholder groups to increase disease awareness, community education and engagement, and focus on research that will ultimately lead to the development of therapeutics for bronchiectasis and NTM.

Visit Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 to learn more about these excellent resources and the evolution to Bronchiectasis and NTM 360!