Be Clear-A Self-Care Method to Living with Bronchiectasis

Be Clear-A Self-Care Method to Living with Bronchiectasis Never judgmental.
🎥 Free videos youtube.com/
❎ No med advice Esposito, MPH, you can feel better!

Linda Esposito, MPH
Yale-educated 25 yr exp bronchiectasis & NTM educator | Author | Advocate
✨ Compassionate coaching & individual consultations
❤️Always kind. Author of “The BE CLEAR Method to Living with Bronchiectasis” available on Amazon-

https://amzn.to/333htls?trk=public_post_share-update_update-text

Bronchiectasis is the permanent scarring of the lung airway passages, often from an infection, asthma or COPD. It is a lifelong chronic disease, but by practicing the BE CLEAR Method of self-care, created by Linda C.

Did you know that every Sunday at 9 AM ET I drop a new YouTube video?I have made this commitment to you, even when I am ...
03/01/2026

Did you know that every Sunday at 9 AM ET I drop a new YouTube video?

I have made this commitment to you, even when I am on vacation. It takes planning, but I want you to know that I will always be here to support you and help you on your journey.

If you have not already, please subscribe to my YouTube channel, like this video, and hit the bell so you will be notified whenever a new video goes live.
And here is something many people do not realize.

During the week, I also share two short videos that are under one minute. You will not want to miss them. Promise 🙂

I still need over 1,000 more viewing hours to qualify for ad revenue on my channel. Yikes.😳

If you are looking for an easy way to support my work, consider running one of my playlists. It is a simple way to help build watch hours while learning more about living well with bronchiectasis.

Some people tell me they let playlists run in the background while they go about their day. Of course, I would never officially suggest that 🙂 But I will say there are over 200 videos for you to choose from, organized into more than nine playlists to make it easy to find topics that matter to you.

Thank you for being part of this community and for helping this educational content reach people around the world who need it.

Click here to start listening:
tinyurl.com/3y7nuynz

If English is not your first language, you can now listen to my most recent videos in several different languages.

Simply click the gear icon, select Audio track, and choose your preferred language.

Do not see your language listed? Please let me know and I will do my best to add it in the future.

Busy today unpacking suitcases, doing laundry, and trying to get back to my normal life. I’m looking forward to hitting ...
02/28/2026

Busy today unpacking suitcases, doing laundry, and trying to get back to my normal life. I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running on Monday.

But first, I need to vent a little, and maybe some of you will understand this feeling.

I sometimes wish I could travel the way my husband does.

We usually rent an apartment or suite to make life easier, with separate bathrooms. But at the tail end of this trip, when we had to wait out the snowstorm in Miami, we shared a room for three days. It was actually kind of fun since we don’t do it very often. We carved out our little spaces and it worked surprisingly well.

Until a bolt of envy hit me 🤢when I looked at his six items near the bathroom sink and compared them to my full counter takeover. Airway clearance supplies, vestibular gadgets, IBS essentials, medications, makeup, hair products, and enough backup items to survive a minor apocalypse.

So I’m setting a gentle goal for my upcoming trips to Orlando and Germany, especially since I’ll be traveling alone. I’m going to lighten my load where I can, simplify what I bring, and remind myself that the goal isn’t fewer items, just fewer “just in case of the apocalypse” items.

Progress, not perfection. And maybe one less hair product.

https://youtu.be/8Gj2zT5cvJo?si=bJJQkgK1L6wWDXI_

There is something wonderfully grounding about sitting at my dining room table in New York City, coffee in hand, working...
02/28/2026

There is something wonderfully grounding about sitting at my dining room table in New York City, coffee in hand, working on the crossword puzzle.

After the snowstorm and unexpected travel complications in Mexico, it took us several extra days to get home. And yet, that long journey made this simple moment feel even sweeter.

Now that I’m back, my focus is already turning to this summer. I wasn’t able to attend the World Bronchiectasis Conference in Scotland or Australia, but I am planning to be at the conference this June in Germany.

What makes this especially meaningful is that I’ve been collaborating with Monaghan Medical, the makers of the Aerobika, on an important community survey.

We’re putting the final touches on it now, and it is my sincere hope that when I share it, you will consider taking about 15 minutes to complete it. There are roughly 40 questions, but they go quickly.

I’ve taken it more than half a dozen times myself because I never ask this community to do something I wouldn’t be willing to do. And I would, because the insights we gain will be incredibly valuable for all of us.

The survey will not collect any personal identifying information. My goal is to reach 100 participants. I know that’s ambitious, but I believe in the power of this community. The more responses we gather, the more meaningful and accurate the findings will be, helping us better understand real experiences and needs.

So when you see the survey, I invite you to sit down with a cup of something delicious and take a few minutes to fill it out. While I cannot offer a monetary thank you, I hope the education, support, and daily information I share bring value to your life.

And as you know, I am always here to answer a quick question and support you on your journey.

Today, I am asking you to support me on mine.




People have been messaging me asking whether I am taking Brinsupri. At this stage of my disease, I am not.I am feeling v...
02/27/2026

People have been messaging me asking whether I am taking Brinsupri. At this stage of my disease, I am not.

I am feeling very well, and my current approach is working for me.

However, if I were experiencing extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, or if my lung function were declining, that would influence my decision.

In that situation, I would likely consider trying to lower inflammation with Brinsupri or explore enrolling in the AIRTIVITY clinical trial.

I also respect those who are choosing to wait and see how others do. For me, that approach probably would not work because I would not know how the drug would affect me individually.

Yes, there are encouraging stories, and there are also reports of side effects that led some people to stop the drug. The reality is that we cannot know how a treatment will impact us personally unless we try it.

As always, these decisions are best made in partnership with your medical team, taking into account your symptoms, disease progression, cost of treatment, and personal comfort with risk.

When traveling, I do my best to reduce exposure to harmful bacteria in shower mist. Most of the time I rely on the “Melo...
02/27/2026

When traveling, I do my best to reduce exposure to harmful bacteria in shower mist. Most of the time I rely on the “Melody Method” of tying a bag with a small hole around the showerhead to create a fuller stream of water with less mist.

When I am faced with a large rainfall showerhead that I cannot modify, I wear a mask and keep my showers short.

But my absolute favorite was showering in a space with an open window. It felt so different from my New York City apartment, where I have no window or fan. There was something almost exotic about standing in the warm water while a breeze moved through the room.

Sometimes the smallest treats are the ones we most appreciate.

For my YouTube video on a one minute shower— https://tinyurl.com/yc6but9r

So happy to see our new bronchiectasis drug approved for use in the UK and, I believe, the Netherlands. Hopefully other ...
02/26/2026

So happy to see our new bronchiectasis drug approved for use in the UK and, I believe, the Netherlands. Hopefully other countries will follow suit.

Bronchiectasis is a worldwide disease, and we want our bronchi-family members everywhere to have access to care.

I’m also encouraged to see countries around the world participating in research. More and more clinical trials are coming out of China, Japan, and South Korea. This is wonderful news because the more research there is worldwide, the more likely we are to see treatments that help different groups of people.

A recent analysis from the NTM Korea highlights something we do not talk about enough in lung health: nutritional status.

Researchers looked at 627 people with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease who had started antibiotic therapy. At baseline, nearly 18 percent were malnourished and more than half were at risk for malnutrition.

Why does this matter? Poor nutritional status was strongly linked with more severe disease. People who were malnourished were more likely to experience shortness of breath, positive acid fast smears, and cavitary lung disease.

They also had lower exercise capacity, measured by a shorter six minute walk distance, and reported worse quality of life, including physical functioning and respiratory symptoms.

Nutrition also appeared to influence recovery. People with poor nutritional status were less likely to see improvement in respiratory symptoms at six months. Malnutrition was also associated with a higher risk of stopping treatment early within the first year.

So what does this mean for those of us living with bronchiectasis? Even without NTM, maintaining good nutritional status supports immune function, muscle strength for effective airway clearance, energy for exercise, and overall resilience during exacerbations.

Unintentional weight loss, low appetite, or difficulty maintaining weight are important signals to discuss with your care team.

I was in Mexico trying so hard to stay clear of cartel activity and snowstorms that I almost missed this important annou...
02/25/2026

I was in Mexico trying so hard to stay clear of cartel activity and snowstorms that I almost missed this important announcement!!

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency MHRA has granted a marketing authorisation for the medicine brensocatib Brinsupri to treat patients 12 years and older with non cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis who have experienced two or more flare ups or worsening of symptoms in the past 12 months.

This is an important step forward for our community and a sign that access to treatments is broadening.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/brensocatib-licensed-as-the-first-medicine-specifically-designed-to-treat-non-cystic-fibrosis-bronchiectasis-in-patients-12-years-and-older

In philosophy, a razor is considered a principle or rule of thumb that “shaves off” unlikely explanations for a phenomen...
02/25/2026

In philosophy, a razor is considered a principle or rule of thumb that “shaves off” unlikely explanations for a phenomenon.

One of the most well-known is Occam’s Razor, which suggests that the correct answer is often the simplest one.🌟🌟🌟

I remind myself of this often and try to look at situations through Occam’s lens. This is especially helpful when working with clients and brainstorming reasons they may be struggling with some aspect of self-care. Together, we reason it out and look for the most straightforward explanation.

Recently, several clients mentioned that the interior of their Aerobika device was turning a caramel color. The first question I asked was, “How are you sterilizing it?”

Inevitably, they were using a method not recommended by the manufacturer. They were placing the device in a kitchen appliance pressure cooker at extremely high temperatures.

Given that this discoloration had never occurred before and only began after they started using the pressure cooker, the simplest explanation is that the new sterilization method is the culprit.

This is why we try to stay within the guardrails by following manufacturer recommendations. In fact, at every patient and professional conference I have attended over the past eight years, I have never heard a clinician suggest alternative sterilization methods. The consistent guidance is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

I also tell clients that if they are doing something they would hesitate to mention to their doctor, it may be worth reconsidering.

I am deeply concerned that the misguided use of a pressure cooker as a sterilizer could cause unintended harm. No research has evaluated this method, and one potential risk is the inhalation of microplastics if high heat causes microscopic damage to the device. Until there is evidence supporting such practices, caution is warranted.

Staying within evidence-based guidelines is not about being rigid. It is about protecting our lungs and making informed decisions that prioritize safety.

So happy be able to get out of Mexico and to be in Miami. I was initially upset about having to reschedule all my client...
02/25/2026

So happy be able to get out of Mexico and to be in Miami. I was initially upset about having to reschedule all my clients this week, but the deed is done.

Although I was not able to get home, thankfully the apartment building doorman is watering the plants. I have shifted gears and am using this unexpected time to work on content for my website, blog, and social media.

Tony and I are “roughing it” in what is called a suite, though it is really an open floor plan without a separate door to the bedroom area.

We had a good laugh when I asked if he minded me dictating emails and whispering while I work in our communal space. With a smile, he mimicked one of my emails in an exaggerated quiet voice. It made me laugh.

Whenever you travel with someone, there can be tense moments, but it is wonderful when you are still laughing together through the unexpected.
We went out for delicious Lebanese food last night and at the same time put together an Instacart order for delivery to our Residence Inn. Our main goal was breakfast supplies, including good coffee. And what did we forget? The coffee. Another moment for a chuckle.

In the BE CLEAR Method, I have a chapter on laughter, the L in BE CLEAR. It goes without saying that on vacation, one of the most important things to pack is a sense of humor.

Now we are looking forward to doing a little home cooking in our hotel room before we head home on Friday. I still need to go on a hunt for more protein, but this is a good start.

Having a kitchen in our hotel room makes all the difference for us. And quite frankly, in Mexico, because I am so finicky, I relied on lots of yogurt and cheese. Those are foods I usually include in my diet, but I had them in much larger amounts than usual.

Travel is a good reminder that nutrition does not have to be perfect to be supportive. For those of us living with lung disease, maintaining weight, getting adequate protein, and staying nourished are part of protecting our strength and resilience. Sometimes that means doing the best we can with what is available, and giving ourselves grace along the way.

Letsbecleartoday.com

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I am pleased to announce a new NTM and Bronchiectasis Support Group for Kansas and Nebraska!!! Kate Boyd is the new volu...
02/24/2026

I am pleased to announce a new NTM and Bronchiectasis Support Group for Kansas and Nebraska!!!

Kate Boyd is the new volunteer and patient support group leader. Her first Zoom support group meeting will be held on March 5, 2026 at 10 am Central Time and 11 am Eastern Time.

Anyone interested in joining the meeting is welcome, whether they live in Kansas, Nebraska, or elsewhere. To learn more about the group and receive the Zoom link, participants are encouraged to contact Kate directly at KS-NEsupport@ntminfo.org.

You may also reach out to Patricia at patricia@ntminfo.org for assistance with the meeting link and for more information about joining one of the 54 NTM and bronchiectasis support groups worldwide.

Kate lives in Lawrence, Kansas, and has been married for almost 40 years. She enjoys spending time with her son and daughter-in-law, who live nearby with their three children.

Last year, Kate was diagnosed with bronchiectasis. She feels fortunate to receive care at the KU Care Center in Kansas City, located about 45 minutes from her home. Her pulmonologist is Dr. Andreas Schmid, a bronchiectasis and NTM specialist.

This year, Kate plans to retire from her interior design business to focus on her health, prioritizing good nutrition, regular exercise, and meaningful time with family while enjoying the activities she loves. In quieter moments, she enjoys reading about ways to support her well-being and spending time crocheting.

So proud to be a volunteer patient ambassador for this wonderful organization‼️

NTM Info & Research
Bronchiectasis and NTM Association
Bronchiectasis Info & Research

Dear Keurig and all Keurig look alikes,How did we ever live without you? The ability to make a quick, perfect cup of cof...
02/23/2026

Dear Keurig and all Keurig look alikes,

How did we ever live without you? The ability to make a quick, perfect cup of coffee anytime truly is a brilliant idea.

However, I’m sorry to say we are not a match made in heaven. I struggle with the reality that the interior tubing can develop biofilm, and the water reservoir is not always easy to clean thoroughly.

Knowing that bacteria can grow in these hidden spaces makes it hard for me to relax and enjoy what should be a simple pleasure.

For those of us living with bronchiectasis or other chronic lung conditions, this concern carries extra weight. Microaspiration from poor swallowing and reflux can allow bacteria to enter the lungs, potentially contributing to inflammation or infection.

It’s not about fear, but about understanding our unique risks and making choices that support our respiratory health.

Of course, there are workarounds when traveling. Some people microwave their coffee afterward to reduce potential bacteria.

And sometimes we simply choose to enjoy the cup in front of us and move on. But for everyday use, it just isn’t the right fit for me.

Wishing you all the best,
Linda Esposito

Interested in learning more about environmental precautions? Check out the comments below.

Packing up our MĂŠrida digs tomorrow, and on Tuesday we begin making our way back to Mexico City. Right now, because of t...
02/23/2026

Packing up our MĂŠrida digs tomorrow, and on Tuesday we begin making our way back to Mexico City.

Right now, because of the storm, it looks like Miami after that. We cannot get home to NYC until Friday, but you will not hear me complaining about a few extra days of sunshine. ☀️

As I pack, I’ll also be reflecting on what worked well and what could use a little fine tuning for future travels. Which gadgets were winners and which ones not so much. Travel is always a learning experience.

Most of all, I am feeling deeply grateful for time with my sister, new friendships, and of course my husband, Tony.

For the most part I felt well and my lungs cooperated, which is no small gift. If anything, I had more challenges with irritable bowel and a bit of vestibular stuff. But I never expect perfection.

It is such a joy to share these travels with my social media family. Thank you for being here and for your continued support. 💙

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This page has BE research-based info, self-care methods, and posts to make you smile. Enjoy!

I am fortunate to live in New York City where I have access to a great medical team. As a health educator, I feel that it is my responsibility to share what I have learned about our disease. I am available for a no-charge 15 minute phone consultation if you wish to have a private discussion about bronchiectasis and hear what I do to stay healthy and full of energy. Please note that I am not a medical provider and you should consult your doctor before starting or stopping any practice.