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@sueinmn

@gee12 Welcome to Mayo Connect and our MAC and Bronchiectasis support group. If you take a little time to explore, you will find there is much to learn, and whether or not to take antibiotics is one of the hardest decisions for many of us.

Here are two starting places for you
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/macntm-is-different-for-everyone-treatment-might-be-different-too/
and
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/resources-for-the-abcs-on-bronchiectasis-and-mac-ntm/
There are articles here that cover when to treat, alternatives, and the basics of airway clearance.

One thing we have come to realize over the past few years is that antibiotics are not the only form of treatment. Daily airway clearance, using 7% or 3% nebulized saline solution, with a bronchodilator if warranted, can knock down the level of infection in some people so they require antibiotics (except possibly short-term during an exacerbation.)

I hope you find some information to encourage you. And certainly come on back and ask any questions that may come up - we have many helpful members whith a wide variety of experience.
Sue

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Replies to "@gee12 Welcome to Mayo Connect and our MAC and Bronchiectasis support group. If you take a..."

Thank you so much for your input. I’m just getting started with the nebulizer. Hoping that will help with the cough. I notice some people recommending exercise. I get winded very quickly. If I try to continue, I get lightheaded. I use my Albuterol inhaler before I try to exercise but it doesn’t seem to help much anymore. I’m also on symbicort. My pulse ox is usually around 93 and Doc says I should get on oxygen if it gets below 90. Do you have any thoughts on that? I’m afraid of becoming dependent on it so early after my diagnosis. Thanks again. This is a great site. I’ve never heard of this disease before, it’s great to have people to talk to about it.