@rlynnnh So sorry you are part of this group due to having bronchiectasis. You found a good place however with loads of info and support.

Having bronchiectasis makes us susceptible to getting NTM, which has many variants including MAC (Mycobacterium avium complex). NTM stands for non-tuberculosis mycobacteria. NTM is ubiquitous in the environment including water pipes, soil which is why we need to be careful. Some people here fight it with and without certain antibiotics, commonly referred to the Big 3. If you'd like to learn more about this please visit the thread link: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/resources-for-the-abcs-on-bronchiectasis-and-mac-ntm/

Some people arrived here because they developed a cough and then diagnoses of bronchiectasis and NTM followed. Others have bronchiectasis only. Bronchiectasis and NTM are uncommon diseases, although, there seems to be more of it likely due to imaging technology, improved health care etc.

FYI, my bronchiectasis does not show up on an X-ray. That might be the case with you, which is why doctor did not order a CT scan along with the fact that you are not bothered by daily phlegm. My diagnosis took serval years to pinpoint.

Most of what I have learned about these diseases and treatments are from online support communities like this one, not from my pulmonary care team. In fact, I often educate them! I understand why you are upset. It's all very shocking to learn. I think you'll find the more educated you become about your disorder the more in control you'll feel. I hope this helpful.

Pulmonologists should order chest CT every year. I only had chest xrays which did not pick up congestion in my left lower lobe.