Bronchiectasis and NTM 360, a division of the COPD Foundation, has accepted WashU Medicine – Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, into its Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network (CCN), recognizing the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division’s dedication to providing high-quality medical care, resources and education for those with bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease.
The WashU Medicine – Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine has received designation as a [Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center], based on its institutional resources and infrastructure. The CCN includes 27 Care Center and six Clinical Associate Center sites in 23 states and the District of Columbia.
“WashU Medicine’s designation as a national Care Center for Bronchiectasis and Pulmonary Nontuberculous Mycobacterial disease is an honor. This national recognition is the result of several years of work by WashU Pulmonary physicians (Dr. Andrew Roth and myself) and ID physicians (Dr. Tom Bailey and Dr. Carlos Mejia) to establish WashU as a national referral center, and a site for clinical trials and research for patients with bronchiectasis and pulmonary NTM disease. This designation will allow us to continue to grow clinical and research capabilities and provide state-of-the-art care at our center.”
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease characterized by enlarged airways that are thickened and/or scarred. These permanently widened airways lead to a buildup of mucus and impaired clearance of bacteria from the lungs. Between 340,000 and 522,000 adults are receiving treatment in the U.S.
NTM lung disease is a chronic respiratory condition caused by certain types of mycobacteria commonly found in the environment, such as in soil and water. NTM lung disease predominantly affects individuals with compromised immune systems or pre-existing lung conditions, such as bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. NTM lung disease affects tens of thousands of individuals in the U.S. with rates of infection on the rise.
About the COPD Foundation
The COPD Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help millions of people live longer and healthier lives by advancing research, advocacy and awareness to stop COPD, bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease. Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 is a division of the COPD Foundation. A significant proportion of individuals with bronchiectasis also have COPD, and while symptoms are similar, the medications and other treatments are different. For more information on the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network, visit bronchiectasisandntm360.org. For more information, visit copdfoundation.org, or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.