Connect
← Return to Does anyone have upper back pain with MAC?
Discussion
Does anyone have upper back pain with MAC?
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Mar 26 3:09pm | Replies (11)Comment receiving replies
Nebulizing and airway clearance are separate but closely related.
Nebulizing comes first. The setup includes a compressor connected to a nebulizer. Added to the nebulizer is a bronchodilator, such as levalbuterol or albuterol followed by 3% or 7% saline. Here's a link to sample setup. There are other options available. NJH recommends this setup for its bronchiectasis and MAC patients.
https://www.monaghanmed.com/product/aeroeclipse-xl-r-ban-nebulizer-with-ombra-compressor/
While nebulizing many people also use the Aerobika inline (connected to) the nebulizer and compressor. Combination therapy: https://www.monaghanmed.com/product/combination-therapy/
Nebulizing is followed up with airway clearance, which is essentially breathing exercises. The goal of these exercises to remove the phlegm from your lungs. MAC/NTM grows in the pooled phlegm. There's a free breathing app for mobile phone called Autogenic Drainage. And you can learn more about airway clearance principles with examples here: https://bronchiectasis.com.au/physiotherapy
Someone else will have to weigh in about pain in the lung/back from MAC. This topic comes up from time to time and I would not be one bit surprised if they were related.
Replies to "Nebulizing and airway clearance are separate but closely related. Nebulizing comes first. The setup includes a..."
Thank you for responding. I go for a CT scan tomorrow to see if there have been any changes since last November.
Connect
I have MAC and Bronchioestaia and I also see a chiropractor and acupuncturist. The coughing is very hard on my back and at times throws out a vertebrae. These pains will go away with treatment.
The other pain I sometimes have I believe is related to the lungs and bronchial tubes. It comes and goes and at times prevents deep breaths. I will find myself making shallow breaths. During good lung times I don't have it.
I was diagnosed with MAC in 2012 but in 2010 had begun trying to find out the reason for my cough. I was a prescribed and wildland firefighter at the time and thought the cough was from smoke. After full physical I was told I was in good health even though the cough remained and pneumonia would be an outcome from a cold.
Later a sample from my lungs at MD Anderson revealed the MAC. I only just learned of the Bronchioestaia 3 months ago from a respiratory therapist even though I've been in the care of a pulmonologist since 2010.
I have always been proactive with my health. My disappointment in the medical system has been another issue to deal with. I feel if I had had the information I could have been a better more proactive person and my lungs wouldn't have deteriorated as much. I am making changes and hopefully all will be better.