Patient Centered Care
The University of Florida Bronchiectasis and NTM Center is a multidisciplinary specialty clinic dedicated to the comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and long-term management of patients with bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease.
Mission
Our mission is to deliver evidence-based, patient-centered care that improves respiratory health, reduces exacerbations and infections, enhances quality of life, and advances clinical research in chronic airway disease. We bring together pulmonary specialists, infectious disease experts, radiologists, microbiologists, respiratory therapists, and care coordinators to provide coordinated and individualized treatment plans for each patient.
What is Bronchiectasis?
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition characterized by permanent dilation and damage of the airways, leading to impaired mucus clearance. This results in recurrent respiratory infections, chronic cough, sputum production, and progressive lung function decline. Causes may include prior infections, immune disorders, autoimmune disease, or may be idiopathic.
What is NTM Lung Disease?
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental organisms found in soil and water that can cause chronic lung infection in susceptible individuals. NTM lung disease most commonly affects patients with underlying structural lung disease such as bronchiectasis, COPD, or prior tuberculosis. Symptoms often include chronic cough, fatigue, weight loss, and recurrent pulmonary infections, and treatment typically requires prolonged multidrug antibiotic therapy.
Diagnostic Evaluation
Our clinic provides a comprehensive and systematic diagnostic approach, including:
- High-resolution CT (HRCT) of the chest to evaluate airway damage and disease pattern
- Sputum cultures for bacteria, mycobacteria (including NTM species identification), and fungi
- Bronchoscopy when sputum samples are insufficient or diagnosis is unclear
- Pulmonary function testing to assess lung capacity and airflow limitation
- Immune evaluation and laboratory testing for underlying causes of bronchiectasis
- Radiologic review by experienced thoracic radiologists to characterize disease severity and progression
Treatment Approach
Treatment is individualized and guided by disease severity, microbiology, and patient-specific factors. Key components include:
Airway Clearance Therapy
- Daily airway clearance techniques (chest physiotherapy, oscillatory devices, nebulized saline)
- Respiratory therapy education and training for long-term self-management
Infection Management
- Targeted antibiotic therapy based on sputum culture results
- Inhaled antibiotics for chronic Pseudomonas infection when indicated
- Long-term multidrug regimens for NTM lung disease according to current guidelines
Anti-inflammatory and Adjunct Therapies
- Bronchodilators when airway obstruction is present
- Management of comorbid asthma or COPD
- Treatment of underlying immune deficiencies or contributing conditions
Advanced and Multidisciplinary Care
- Enrollment in clinical trials when appropriate
- Coordination with infectious disease specialists for complex NTM cases
- Consideration of surgical evaluation in select localized disease cases
Patient Education & Support
Patient education is a core pillar of our program. We provide:
- Airway clearance education
- Written and digital educational materials tailored to bronchiectasis and NTM
- Medication counseling for complex antibiotic regimens and inhaled therapies
- Guidance on infection prevention, nutrition, and vaccination
- Support for adherence and long-term disease self-management
- Access to care coordination services to assist with appointments, insurance, and medication access
We also emphasize shared decision-making, ensuring that patients and caregivers are active partners in developing treatment plans aligned with their goals and quality-of-life priorities.
Our Commitment
The University of Florida Bronchiectasis and NTM Center is committed to advancing care through clinical excellence, research, and education. We aim to improve outcomes for patients with chronic airway disease while addressing barriers to care and ensuring equitable access to specialized pulmonary services.
Physicians
associate professor of medicine
Natalia Moguillansky
Medical Director, Pulmonary Function Lab
Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria
associate professor of medicine
Karina Serban
Alpha-1 Foundation Research Professor; Assistant Program Director, Pulmonary & Critical Care Fellowship
assistant professor medicine
Nayrobi M Pena Cotui
