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Macrolides contraindicated by tinnitus
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Dec 15, 2025 | Replies (8)Comment receiving replies
Hi, Sue.
Thanks.
I don’t have an ID doctor but I confer with a Boston-based Bronchiectasis specialist (my regular pulmonologist is in Maine) and could possibly see an ID doctor there. Both doctors feel I am getting exacerbations too often (I have tested positive for klebsiella and staph aureus - sp? and antibiotics kicked those down. Essentially, I am needing antibiotics about every 3 months based on rapidly-developing symptoms, which they feel is too much. I do saline (7%) and the Aerobika 2x per day, plus Symbicort (I also have asthma). I do try to do “all of the things” in terms of management. I don’t garden, anymore. I purify all my water; I mask basically everywhere (a real drag and I really miss indoor dining). But I get more than my share of flareups (sudden burning chest sensation, increased and discolored sputum, low-grade fever, reduced energy - or crushing fatigue). Both pulmonologists are still mostly adopting a wait and see for Brinsupri. But I am 51 and they are also concerned about preserving as much of my lung function as they can. So, not being able to take Macrolides is disappointing.
Replies to "Hi, Sue. Thanks. I don’t have an ID doctor but I confer with a Boston-based Bronchiectasis..."
@wsbme74 I was harmed by high doses of Azythromycin. It caused ringing in my ears, then pain. I called the doctor at that point and was told to keep taking it. Then I lost all hearing in one ear and stopped the pills. It came back, and then the other ear went deaf temporarily. I do have hearing, but with tinnitus that varies. Allergies increase it.
I have used Mupirocin which is an ointment in my nose for sinus and lung infections that tend to reoccur. This was recommended as preventative for staph infection before some surgery I had at Mayo. It works great when I need it occasionally for my lungs. I have allergies and asthma.
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@wsbme74 Curious why they are waiting on Brinsupri? Based on frequent exacerbations you seem a likely candidate. I started it in mid-September; breathing, energy, sleep all much improved. I also have a history of frequent exacerbations but my sputum fails to grow anything treatable (normal flora etc).
The burning sensation in your chest -- might that be reflux/gerd? Unmanaged reflux can certainly cause frequent flares. With the asthma do you also have year round allergies?