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Is MAC D inevitable with bronchiectasis

Posted by picartist @picartist, Jul 22, 2025

I never knew anything about MAC D everyone keeps writing about until I got on this website. The only thing I knew when I was diagnosed a year ago was that my Pulmonary Doc said he was every happy I did not have an infection after he did a culture. I had no idea what that culture was for. Now for my question. Does everyone with bronchiectasis eventually end up with MacD?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 30, 2025
In reply to @amap2025 "The pharmacist said Tobramycin was a compounded drug and they cannot handle it. Publix is not..." + (show)
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The pharmacist said Tobramycin was a compounded drug and they cannot handle it. Publix is not near us and Walgreens has limited hours and I do not want to start getting scrpts from there.

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Maybe contact your hospital pharmacies nearby? - that is where we had to get mine. It was a pain, but closer than the nearest compounding pharmacies.

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jeaniemae | @jeaniemae | Aug 14, 2025
In reply to @sueinmn "@picartist and @kate2025 No, MAC is definitely not inevitable - especially now that Bronchiectasis is being..." + (show)
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@picartist and @kate2025 No, MAC is definitely not inevitable - especially now that Bronchiectasis is being recognized and diagnosed more readily through use of CT scans, so preventive care can begin before you get sick.

Also, back when I was diagnosed, little emphasis was placed on keeping our airways clear, which keeps the bacteria from finding greatnplaces to grow in our lungs.

I have been off antibiotics for 5 1/2 years now, doing daily airway clearance, with only a couple of exacerbations that required any medication.

There is a lot to learn about MAC (mycobateria avium complex, also known as NTM) and our other frequent visitor Pseudomonas. Before protocols were established that included "watchful waiting" nearly everyone with a positive sputum culture was pressured to begin an antibiotic regimen. Now research has shown that there are many criteria to consider - severity of infection, symptoms like fever, weight loss and fatigue, condition of the lungs... quite a few people get by with airway clearance (usually with 3% or 7% saline nebs) and regular monitoring.

And even more promising treatments are coming on line.
This field is changing fast, more doctors and clinics are building expertise, and we are not the "orphan disease" that we were even 5 years ago. If you can do so, it is important to find a doc who is knowledgeable about Bronchiectasis and NTM, or even get a one time consult and a treatment plan from a center of excellence like Mayo, NJH or UT Tyler.

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Jean@jmae. I have been diagnosed with NtMAC, Bronchiectasis, COPD, & Asthma. Been on P. O. Meds, 3 antibiotics three times a week, plus Iv meds 2 different times for 10 days each time plus inhalation treatments 4times a day, acapella treatment4 times a day, plus Pep vest 4 times a day. Never smoked or drank. Healthy, no prescription meds until this hit, 1 year ago. Do treatments faithfully. Was told in 3months I can come off the meds if I am where I am today. I am 82 years old. Follow doctors orders. Go to a specialist for treatment. BJC/ Washington University, St. Louis Mo. has a program for these
illnesses. My PCP recommended it to me. I drive 145 miles one way. It’s worth it. Your PCP & Mac specialists need to work together. Your life depends on it. Good luck. I appreciate connect.mayoclininc. Been following it for 6 months. Thanks to all for your input. It helps.

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