Last week we talked about COPD basics. Check in - Why is it important to know what happens to your lungs with COPD? (copdfoundation.org)
Now that we’ve talked about the basics of COPD, let’s take a closer look at how symptoms can affect different individuals in many different ways. We know that some folks with COPD have a lot of coughing and produce large amounts of mucus, while others have an essentially dry cough or produce very little mucus. Recurring infections can be a big problem for some people with COPD, but not for everybody. Paying close attention to your own COPD symptoms and how they affect you plays a big role in helping you get the right treatment for you. Keep this in mind as we learn today about two other chronic lung conditions: bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease.
COPD, bronchiectasis, and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease are all chronic, progressive lung diseases that make it hard to breathe. In each of these conditions, the bronchial airways have lost their elasticity—their ability to stretch and then spring back—which may lead to cough, mucus production, and serious lung infections. But it’s important to know that with the right education, information, and support, all three of these chronic lung diseases can be managed successfully, and in some cases, NTM lung disease can be cured. See resources at the end of this blogpost.
We can learn about bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease by taking a brief look at two hypothetical COPD scenarios.
Question from Paul: Jenny is a lady who just joined our pulmonary rehab class last week. Her cough sounds a lot different than mine. She says that she has a lot of mucus—all the time. Does she have COPD? Is this where I’m headed? Will I be like that someday and have all that mucus?
Answer: No, Paul, you’re not necessarily headed that way. It sounds like Jenny may have bronchiectasis. In bronchiectasis the bronchial airways—the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs—become widened, scarred, and inflamed. Cilia are tiny hair-like structures inside the airways. They are there to move mucus up and out of the lungs, just like a conveyor belt moves products upwards. But in bronchiectasis, the cilia don’t work so well. This can cause mucus to collect, leading to a frequent cough, producing large amounts of mucus. Sometimes this mucus collects in little pouches in the airways, causing germs to grow, and resulting in more lung infections.
Paul, it seems that both you and Jenny have bronchial airways that aren’t as elastic as they used to be. Although it’s not unusual for individuals with COPD to be living with bronchiectasis and not even know it, it’s important to know that this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are going to develop bronchiectasis.
Question from Laura: There’s a man, Ramone, in my online chronic lung disease community who says he got lung disease from gardening! I thought that we, as people with COPD, are supposed to get outside when we’re able, but now I’m finding out that gardening can make me sick too? Now I don’t know what I’m supposed to do to stay as well as possible with COPD.
Answer: Laura, I can see that this is a big concern for you. It may be that Ramone has nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease. Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are bacteria commonly found in soil and water. We all come in contact with particles of soil and droplets of water that get into the air, and we breathe them in without even knowing it. While this is not normally a problem for people with healthy lungs, people with COPD, bronchiectasis, and asthma are at greater risk because the damage in their lungs makes them vulnerable to infections. However, while it’s good to be aware of this, it’s important to know that not everyone with COPD, bronchiectasis, or asthma will get NTM lung disease.
COPD, bronchiectasis, and NTM lung disease are chronic, progressive lung diseases that make it hard to breathe. While these three conditions have some things in common, they are also unique in how they affect the health and everyday life of those who have them. There is help and hope! Information, education, and support can help individuals with these lung conditions receive the care and treatment they need to move forward and live well.
Let’s talk! I look forward to hearing from you!
Follow these links to learn about diagnosis, treatment, and staying active and well with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease.
Bronchiectasis
Living with Bronchiectasis: The Patient Perspective | COPD Foundation
Bronchiectasis: The Phantom Menace
Bronchiectasis: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Women and Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis and COVID-19
Bronchiectasis: Everyday Health with Exercise, Nutrition, and Sleep | COPD Foundation
Bronchiectasis and COVID-19 | COPD Foundation
Bronchiectasis and NTM Information and Support (bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org)
Check in - What is Rare Disease Day? (copdfoundation.org)
Nontuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease
Let’s Talk About Nontuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) Lung Disease | COPD Foundation
NTM Lung Disease: What it is and What you Need to Know
NTM Lung Disease: How it is Diagnosed and What you Need to Know
NTM Lung Disease: Treatment and Management and What you Need to Know
An interview with Diane Gregg, a person living with nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease
NTM Lung Disease: Support Resources and Research and What you Need to Know | COPD Foundation
Bronchiectasis and NTM Information and Support (bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org)