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Hi, yes I do know why they do it initially; that's how they found out that I had MAC. I have never been on the meds, nor have I done airway clearance so I was wondering why I would need to have cultures done periodically since I didn't think MAC goes away on it's own without some kind of treatment. Thanks
Replies to "Hi, yes I do know why they do it initially; that's how they found out that..."
Hi Barb, the current odds are 10-15% of MAC clears on its own. That number may increase after the Portland study. Do you have Bronchiectasis? I nebulize to keep my lungs clear of all bacteria and help ward off BE exasperations. I was sending in monthly sputum cultures until I had 3 negatives, now NJH wants another culture in November since trace pseudomonas came back as "rare" or trace last month. I assume cultures will not be necessary then, unless I get an exasperation-like Cathy. NJH usually orders low energy CT's every 6 months during "wait and watch" periods.
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Some think it is possible to clear it on your own, but there are other infections, like pseudomonas that are a concern as well.
My CT looks like I have MAC with many nodules, trees-in-bud, etc and I developec bronchiectasis. When the cultures turned out negative for MAC, I asked what caused the lung findings. There are 2 theories. One is that I had MAC and cleared it on my own or that it was from post nasal drainage seeping into lung. I
I had persistent sinusitis during that time, but it's under control now. I do airway clearance due to bronchiectasis.
I don't send in regular sputums (can't get them), but have a standing order for one in case I get exacerbations.
Good luck!