Bronchiectasis & NTM Care Center

Bronchiectasis & NTM Care at UVM Health

Specialists at University of Vermont Health provide comprehensive, team-based care for adults with bronchiectasis and Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) infection. No matter where you live in Vermont or northern New York, you can count on compassionate, high-quality care.

As a member of the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network, we are part of a nationwide group of care centers working together to provide advanced care through shared expertise, collaborative research and access to clinical trials for patients with these chronic lung diseases.

Why Choose UVM Health?

As the only bronchiectasis and NTM clinic in Vermont and northern New York, patients choose us for:

An experienced, multidisciplinary team: Your care team includes specialists from pulmonology, infectious disease, nutrition, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, and social work. Together, they create a personalized, comprehensive care plan.
Coordinated, convenient care: We schedule your appointments on the same day whenever possible. If you need additional specialty care, we coordinate transfers and referrals within UVM Health's connected system, including gastroenterology, cardiothoracic surgery, ENT and mental health services.

Conditions We Treat

Bronchiectasis: A chronic lung condition in which the airways become widened and damaged, making it difficult to clear mucus.
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM): A group of bacteria commonly found in water, soil and dust. In people with underlying lung conditions or weakened immune systems, NTM can cause chronic lung infections.

What to Expect

Bronchiectasis and NTM are chronic conditions that often require long-term treatment. Antibiotic treatment for NTM lung infections often last upwards of a year or longer. Because symptoms can change over time, continuity in care is important.

We build long-term, supportive relationships with our patients and focus on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression and reducing hospitalizations whenever possible.

The UVM Health Bronchiectasis & NTM Care Clinic is held twice monthly. While patients are often seen more frequently at the start of care, subsequent visits are typically spaced out to every few months or longer. During the same visit, you will likely meet with several members of your care team, including the following specialists:

Pulmonology

Pulmonologists oversee your lung care and may perform diagnostic testing such as pulmonary function tests, bronchoscopy, EKGs, sputum cultures and routine blood work.

Infectious Disease

Infectious disease specialists determine if and when individualized treatment is needed, select the most effective antibiotic combination, and monitor your response carefully to minimize side effects.

Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory therapists guide airway clearance techniques to help remove mucus, protect your lungs and make breathing easier.

Medication and Pharmacy Support

Treatments may include oral, inhaled or IV antibiotics. Our pharmacists review your medications, provide education and identify issues that could interfere with your treatment.

Nutrition

Good nutrition plays an important role in lung health. Our dietitians evaluate your nutritional needs, recommend dietary changes and order follow-up labs when needed.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Our nationally recognized pulmonary rehabilitation program combines exercise, education and emotional support to improve strength and emotional well-being.

Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Specialty Care

Moving from pediatric to adult bronchiectasis care is a gradual process. The Children’s Specialty Center at Golisano Children’s Hospital at UVM Health works closely with patients and families to support a smooth transition from pediatric to adult specialty care.

Patient Resources

Bronchiectasis and NTM Association: Comprehensive resource hub with education materials, downloadable guides, videos, support group information, community forums, research updates and tools.
bronchiectasisinfo.org: Helpful website with information and support groups for patients with bronchiectasis.
NTM Info & Research: Helpful guidance for patients living with nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease and other related illnesses.
World Bronchiectasis Day Awareness Materials and Resources: Celebrated annually on July 1, WBD highlights the need for increased awareness, resources, and support for people with bronchiectasis worldwide.
Bronchiectasis and NTM Association Educational Library: Provides a variety of informative booklets flyers, and tools to increase people’s understanding of various aspects of bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease.
BronchandNTM360social Online Community: Global online platform for those affected by bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease, including patients, caregivers and health care professionals.
- BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break: Enables individuals with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease to connect virtually with others who understand what they’re going through.
- BronchandNTM360social Newsletter: Newsletter is distributed every 2nd Tuesday of the month, featuring updates, webinars, events and important communications.

Awards & Certifications

Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network

University of Vermont Medical Center is a designated Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center, recognized for its commitment to evidence-based care and the latest treatment guidelines for these conditions.