July 1 is "World Bronchiectasis Day".

Every year, July 1 is "World Bronchiectasis Day," aimed at promoting awareness and knowledge sharing about bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease that lurks behind symptoms such as cough and phlegm. While this disease has been described as "difficult to detect and difficult to cure," recent improvements in diagnostic technology and the development of new treatments have led to increased attention in recent years as a "critical chronic disease that should be detected early and managed/treated appropriately." We support and will work together with the awareness activities undertaken by the Japanese Society for Tuberculosis and Pulmonary Diseases to promote early detection, the development of effective treatments, and the expansion of patient support, including respiratory rehabilitation.

Awareness Poster for 2026

What is Bronchiectasis, a disease with a growing number of patients worldwide?

Bronchiectasis is a disease in which the bronchi become irreversibly dilated, leading to persistent cough and phlegm. Blood-tinged sputum or hemoptysis may also occur. As the disease progresses, respiratory function declines, interfering with daily life. In Japan, the number of patients with bronchiectasis is increasing due to the aging population and the rise in patients with non-tuberculous mycobacterial diseases.

While early diagnosis and appropriate management of bronchiectasis are required, public awareness remains low, and cases of delayed diagnosis and treatment are not uncommon. To improve patients' quality of life (QOL), efforts not only in the medical field but also in society as a whole are important.

J-BREATH will engage in awareness activities as a patient group.

J-BREATH is an organization dedicated to supporting patients with chronic respiratory diseases, including bronchiectasis, and raising awareness of the disease. We conduct activities that support patients, aiming to broaden understanding of bronchiectasis and promote the development of appropriate management and new treatments.

What J-BREATH is currently working on:

Publication of feature articles in the bimonthly newsletter "For Better Breathing J-BREATH"

Production of a special issue "Understanding Pulmonary NTM Disease and Bronchiectasis"

Information provision on the official website

Establishment of online exchange for patient members with bronchiectasis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease

A4 size / 28 pages

Special Issue on Pulmonary NTM in "Bessatsu J-BREATH"

This is a reorganization of articles published in issues 124-125 (February-April 2023) of the newsletter "For Better Breathing J-BREATH."

We have compiled information on examinations, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation through dialogues with specialists, so that family members and those around patients, such as at their workplace, can understand this disease and offer support when patients are suffering from severe symptoms or are struggling with anxiety even when they appear to be doing well.

From the website of the Japanese Society for Tuberculosis and Pulmonary Diseases

Statement: World Bronchiectasis Day (July 1)

Awareness Poster (PNG): July 1 is World Bronchiectasis Day

Awareness posters (PDF) can be downloaded from the following link:

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NPO Japan Respiratory Patients Information Center (J-BREATH)

J-BREATH (NPO Japan Respiratory Patients Information Center) is a patient support group (patient association) for patients and their families with chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD and interstitial pneumonia, founded in 2000. To help patients lead better treatment lives, we provide information related to treatment through our newsletter "J-BREATH" and conduct disease awareness activities through medical lectures and events, in addition to offering telephone counseling. We also collaborate and cooperate with the Japanese Respiratory Society and other respiratory disease patient organizations to gather patient voices (opinions and requests) and lobby the government to improve the treatment environment.

● J-BREATH Official Website: https://j-breath.jp/