Do Bronchiectasis and MAC go together?

Hi Connie,
Several members sharing in this group have bronchiectasis. Some have both MAC and bronchiectasis.
@chinasmom @katemn @beatitnow @megan123 @ling123 @chinasmom @jock007 @flib @mmteach, Connie is asking about the relationship between bronchiectasis and MAC. I hope you can help answer her questions. This is all very new to her.

Hi Connie,
Several members sharing in this group have bronchiectasis. Some have both MAC and bronchiectasis.
@chinasmom @katemn @beatitnow @megan123 @ling123 @chinasmom @jock007 @flib @mmteach, Connie is asking about the relationship between bronchiectasis and MAC. I hope you can help answer her questions. This is all very new to her.

This is my first post, although I have been lurking for a while. I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis several months ago after many years of symptoms of coughing and respiratory infections (fortunately not all that frequent or severe but still a concern). About two years ago I started asking my asthma/allergy doctor why my breathing was getting worse, but he didn't have any answers. First lesson learned: be persistent and be your own advocate. Finally last year I asked my PCP for a referral to a pulmonologist. I now feel as though I am in good hands with my pulmonologist here in Rhode Island. A CT scan confirmed his preliminary diagnosis of bronchiectasis, which I had never even heard of. Had I known that my airways were sustaining permanent damage every time I contracted what I thought was bronchitis, I certainly would have pursued seeing a pulmonologist sooner.

In early May I submitted three sputum samples. I knew from reading on this site that I would need to wait six weeks for the results, so I didn't follow up, even though every day in May I was progressively coughing more, feeling more fatigued, etc. I had an appointment with the pulmonologist for early June so thought I would stick it out. Wrong! When I finally felt too sick to function, I called the doctor only to find out that the quick test (smear) showed that I had staphylococcus in my lungs. This test result had been available only a few days after I dropped off the sample but I didn't know until three weeks later. Second lesson learned: follow up; don't wait for a call from the doctor. Now that I registered on the local hospital network online portal, I will be notified whenever a test result is available. Fortunately the staph was taken care of with a 7-day course of Moxifloxicin. Third lesson learned: recognize an exacerbation early.

While waiting six weeks for the results of the AFB to see whether I had MAC, I spent lots of time reading the posts on this forum and watching the videos from National Jewish and Georgetown. Even though my doctor takes time with me, it has been so helpful to know the terminology, typical treatment, etc. Fourth lesson learned: be an educated patient. I would like to thank @katemn, @windwalker, @Paula_MAC2007 and others who have helped make me an informed patient.

This Wednesday I learned that I do not have MAC, for which I am grateful. I am impressed by the dedication and tenacity of those of you with MAC who are following strict regimens of antibiotics, nebulizers, etc. At this point my treatment is comprised of Mucinex (generic), Albuterol, another inhaler and an Aerobika, with antibiotics only if I have an exacerbation.

Thanks for letting me ramble!

This is my first post, although I have been lurking for a while. I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis several months ago after many years of symptoms of coughing and respiratory infections (fortunately not all that frequent or severe but still a concern). About two years ago I started asking my asthma/allergy doctor why my breathing was getting worse, but he didn't have any answers. First lesson learned: be persistent and be your own advocate. Finally last year I asked my PCP for a referral to a pulmonologist. I now feel as though I am in good hands with my pulmonologist here in Rhode Island. A CT scan confirmed his preliminary diagnosis of bronchiectasis, which I had never even heard of. Had I known that my airways were sustaining permanent damage every time I contracted what I thought was bronchitis, I certainly would have pursued seeing a pulmonologist sooner.

In early May I submitted three sputum samples. I knew from reading on this site that I would need to wait six weeks for the results, so I didn't follow up, even though every day in May I was progressively coughing more, feeling more fatigued, etc. I had an appointment with the pulmonologist for early June so thought I would stick it out. Wrong! When I finally felt too sick to function, I called the doctor only to find out that the quick test (smear) showed that I had staphylococcus in my lungs. This test result had been available only a few days after I dropped off the sample but I didn't know until three weeks later. Second lesson learned: follow up; don't wait for a call from the doctor. Now that I registered on the local hospital network online portal, I will be notified whenever a test result is available. Fortunately the staph was taken care of with a 7-day course of Moxifloxicin. Third lesson learned: recognize an exacerbation early.

While waiting six weeks for the results of the AFB to see whether I had MAC, I spent lots of time reading the posts on this forum and watching the videos from National Jewish and Georgetown. Even though my doctor takes time with me, it has been so helpful to know the terminology, typical treatment, etc. Fourth lesson learned: be an educated patient. I would like to thank @katemn, @windwalker, @Paula_MAC2007 and others who have helped make me an informed patient.

This Wednesday I learned that I do not have MAC, for which I am grateful. I am impressed by the dedication and tenacity of those of you with MAC who are following strict regimens of antibiotics, nebulizers, etc. At this point my treatment is comprised of Mucinex (generic), Albuterol, another inhaler and an Aerobika, with antibiotics only if I have an exacerbation.

Thanks for letting me ramble!

This is my first post, although I have been lurking for a while. I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis several months ago after many years of symptoms of coughing and respiratory infections (fortunately not all that frequent or severe but still a concern). About two years ago I started asking my asthma/allergy doctor why my breathing was getting worse, but he didn't have any answers. First lesson learned: be persistent and be your own advocate. Finally last year I asked my PCP for a referral to a pulmonologist. I now feel as though I am in good hands with my pulmonologist here in Rhode Island. A CT scan confirmed his preliminary diagnosis of bronchiectasis, which I had never even heard of. Had I known that my airways were sustaining permanent damage every time I contracted what I thought was bronchitis, I certainly would have pursued seeing a pulmonologist sooner.

In early May I submitted three sputum samples. I knew from reading on this site that I would need to wait six weeks for the results, so I didn't follow up, even though every day in May I was progressively coughing more, feeling more fatigued, etc. I had an appointment with the pulmonologist for early June so thought I would stick it out. Wrong! When I finally felt too sick to function, I called the doctor only to find out that the quick test (smear) showed that I had staphylococcus in my lungs. This test result had been available only a few days after I dropped off the sample but I didn't know until three weeks later. Second lesson learned: follow up; don't wait for a call from the doctor. Now that I registered on the local hospital network online portal, I will be notified whenever a test result is available. Fortunately the staph was taken care of with a 7-day course of Moxifloxicin. Third lesson learned: recognize an exacerbation early.

While waiting six weeks for the results of the AFB to see whether I had MAC, I spent lots of time reading the posts on this forum and watching the videos from National Jewish and Georgetown. Even though my doctor takes time with me, it has been so helpful to know the terminology, typical treatment, etc. Fourth lesson learned: be an educated patient. I would like to thank @katemn, @windwalker, @Paula_MAC2007 and others who have helped make me an informed patient.

This Wednesday I learned that I do not have MAC, for which I am grateful. I am impressed by the dedication and tenacity of those of you with MAC who are following strict regimens of antibiotics, nebulizers, etc. At this point my treatment is comprised of Mucinex (generic), Albuterol, another inhaler and an Aerobika, with antibiotics only if I have an exacerbation.

Thanks for letting me ramble!

This is my first post, although I have been lurking for a while. I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis several months ago after many years of symptoms of coughing and respiratory infections (fortunately not all that frequent or severe but still a concern). About two years ago I started asking my asthma/allergy doctor why my breathing was getting worse, but he didn't have any answers. First lesson learned: be persistent and be your own advocate. Finally last year I asked my PCP for a referral to a pulmonologist. I now feel as though I am in good hands with my pulmonologist here in Rhode Island. A CT scan confirmed his preliminary diagnosis of bronchiectasis, which I had never even heard of. Had I known that my airways were sustaining permanent damage every time I contracted what I thought was bronchitis, I certainly would have pursued seeing a pulmonologist sooner.

In early May I submitted three sputum samples. I knew from reading on this site that I would need to wait six weeks for the results, so I didn't follow up, even though every day in May I was progressively coughing more, feeling more fatigued, etc. I had an appointment with the pulmonologist for early June so thought I would stick it out. Wrong! When I finally felt too sick to function, I called the doctor only to find out that the quick test (smear) showed that I had staphylococcus in my lungs. This test result had been available only a few days after I dropped off the sample but I didn't know until three weeks later. Second lesson learned: follow up; don't wait for a call from the doctor. Now that I registered on the local hospital network online portal, I will be notified whenever a test result is available. Fortunately the staph was taken care of with a 7-day course of Moxifloxicin. Third lesson learned: recognize an exacerbation early.

While waiting six weeks for the results of the AFB to see whether I had MAC, I spent lots of time reading the posts on this forum and watching the videos from National Jewish and Georgetown. Even though my doctor takes time with me, it has been so helpful to know the terminology, typical treatment, etc. Fourth lesson learned: be an educated patient. I would like to thank @katemn, @windwalker, @Paula_MAC2007 and others who have helped make me an informed patient.

This Wednesday I learned that I do not have MAC, for which I am grateful. I am impressed by the dedication and tenacity of those of you with MAC who are following strict regimens of antibiotics, nebulizers, etc. At this point my treatment is comprised of Mucinex (generic), Albuterol, another inhaler and an Aerobika, with antibiotics only if I have an exacerbation.

Thanks for letting me ramble!

Dear All .. am posting this video on this area because I think it is so good! Just found a GREAT explanation/video on Bronchiectasis and why the blood!! Watch it .. SO glad I found it!! Hope it helps you! Hugs! Katherine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeomndWSom8

This is my first post, although I have been lurking for a while. I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis several months ago after many years of symptoms of coughing and respiratory infections (fortunately not all that frequent or severe but still a concern). About two years ago I started asking my asthma/allergy doctor why my breathing was getting worse, but he didn't have any answers. First lesson learned: be persistent and be your own advocate. Finally last year I asked my PCP for a referral to a pulmonologist. I now feel as though I am in good hands with my pulmonologist here in Rhode Island. A CT scan confirmed his preliminary diagnosis of bronchiectasis, which I had never even heard of. Had I known that my airways were sustaining permanent damage every time I contracted what I thought was bronchitis, I certainly would have pursued seeing a pulmonologist sooner.

In early May I submitted three sputum samples. I knew from reading on this site that I would need to wait six weeks for the results, so I didn't follow up, even though every day in May I was progressively coughing more, feeling more fatigued, etc. I had an appointment with the pulmonologist for early June so thought I would stick it out. Wrong! When I finally felt too sick to function, I called the doctor only to find out that the quick test (smear) showed that I had staphylococcus in my lungs. This test result had been available only a few days after I dropped off the sample but I didn't know until three weeks later. Second lesson learned: follow up; don't wait for a call from the doctor. Now that I registered on the local hospital network online portal, I will be notified whenever a test result is available. Fortunately the staph was taken care of with a 7-day course of Moxifloxicin. Third lesson learned: recognize an exacerbation early.

While waiting six weeks for the results of the AFB to see whether I had MAC, I spent lots of time reading the posts on this forum and watching the videos from National Jewish and Georgetown. Even though my doctor takes time with me, it has been so helpful to know the terminology, typical treatment, etc. Fourth lesson learned: be an educated patient. I would like to thank @katemn, @windwalker, @Paula_MAC2007 and others who have helped make me an informed patient.

This Wednesday I learned that I do not have MAC, for which I am grateful. I am impressed by the dedication and tenacity of those of you with MAC who are following strict regimens of antibiotics, nebulizers, etc. At this point my treatment is comprised of Mucinex (generic), Albuterol, another inhaler and an Aerobika, with antibiotics only if I have an exacerbation.

Thanks for letting me ramble!

This is my first post, although I have been lurking for a while. I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis several months ago after many years of symptoms of coughing and respiratory infections (fortunately not all that frequent or severe but still a concern). About two years ago I started asking my asthma/allergy doctor why my breathing was getting worse, but he didn't have any answers. First lesson learned: be persistent and be your own advocate. Finally last year I asked my PCP for a referral to a pulmonologist. I now feel as though I am in good hands with my pulmonologist here in Rhode Island. A CT scan confirmed his preliminary diagnosis of bronchiectasis, which I had never even heard of. Had I known that my airways were sustaining permanent damage every time I contracted what I thought was bronchitis, I certainly would have pursued seeing a pulmonologist sooner.

In early May I submitted three sputum samples. I knew from reading on this site that I would need to wait six weeks for the results, so I didn't follow up, even though every day in May I was progressively coughing more, feeling more fatigued, etc. I had an appointment with the pulmonologist for early June so thought I would stick it out. Wrong! When I finally felt too sick to function, I called the doctor only to find out that the quick test (smear) showed that I had staphylococcus in my lungs. This test result had been available only a few days after I dropped off the sample but I didn't know until three weeks later. Second lesson learned: follow up; don't wait for a call from the doctor. Now that I registered on the local hospital network online portal, I will be notified whenever a test result is available. Fortunately the staph was taken care of with a 7-day course of Moxifloxicin. Third lesson learned: recognize an exacerbation early.

While waiting six weeks for the results of the AFB to see whether I had MAC, I spent lots of time reading the posts on this forum and watching the videos from National Jewish and Georgetown. Even though my doctor takes time with me, it has been so helpful to know the terminology, typical treatment, etc. Fourth lesson learned: be an educated patient. I would like to thank @katemn, @windwalker, @Paula_MAC2007 and others who have helped make me an informed patient.

This Wednesday I learned that I do not have MAC, for which I am grateful. I am impressed by the dedication and tenacity of those of you with MAC who are following strict regimens of antibiotics, nebulizers, etc. At this point my treatment is comprised of Mucinex (generic), Albuterol, another inhaler and an Aerobika, with antibiotics only if I have an exacerbation.

Thanks for letting me ramble!