Does reducing exposure to Mycobacteria ( NTM) work?

@jnmy & @cholash Wow, predisposition is a great question, one I have been thinking about lately.
Here is a recent paper (I'm reading it now) on just that issue -
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/tuberculosis/articles/10.3389/ftubr.2025.1735568/full
Do you want to read it too and discuss further (looks lots of good reference studies linked to it)?

I dont think they actually know where/why some people get MAC - soil/air/water - could be numerous things or a combination of things - just like anything else and any other disease. I do believe I developed mine thru dirt/air from mowing our newly bought home and having alot of dirt/dust around me without wearing a mask. My pulmonary is blaming past lung damage to cigarette smoking when I was in my teens - I blame the last bout of covid that I had as I started having difficulty breathing after I had covid for the 2nd time. but it doesnt matter which it was, as at the end of the day - I had some prior lung damage and then caught MAC.

It was just on our news not long ago about new airborne lung infection (they didnt call it MAC) that was appearing around an area that was being newly developed for a new subdivision and all the earth being moved and particles in the air and warned people about it. (I believe they said the site was somewhere in TX but I could be wrong).

I was just diagnosed with it about 6 months ago - so far I am only inhaling 7% saline in a neb and using an inhaler 2x a day. It's manageable but I still cough and have to clear my throat. Im just not letting this disease define me and living my life as close to what I always have lived it. Good luck everyone!!!

@jnmy And I wonder if getting NTM or not (with BE) has to do with adherence to airway clearance. Many posts I read here, but not all, are from those who were recently diagnosed with BE and MAC at the same time so they did not know about airway clearance. Those diagnosed with BE only are instructed to do airway clearance twice day, and as a result ward off MAC/NTM.

@cholash Yes, masking helps with most respiratory illnesses, even MAC, I believe. But for me, every respiratory illness raises the real possibility of an exacerbation, which can cause weeks of poor health, and especially, set off my coughing again.
I cannot accept that 200+ people in a crowded waiting area and jetway, then in a long skinny tube, breathing, coughing, and sneezing, are not a risk - I keep my mask on except when eating or drinking. Besides, we don't always know how well the ventilation system is working. I flew thousands of miles last fall, including 4 flights in 5 days, and managed to not catch anything. Back in my working days, when I flew almost weekly, I caught a cold or other "bug" on about every third or fourth flight - and that was years before my Bronchiectasis was diagnosed.

@sueinmn
You mentioned that “ Yes, masking helps with most respiratory illnesses, even MAC, I believe. “

I thought I had read that MAC was not contagious as a respiratory disease?

@jnmy all great questions and above my pay grade. Maybe others have seen studies?

@cholash Yes, questions above my pay grade, too, but I will offer this opinion expressed by my ID doctor who has conducted a lot of studies (Kevin Winthrop of OHSU). When I asked about drinking water, brushing my teeth, showering and such, he said (paraphrasing), “That’s what the nebulizing saline and airway clearance are for. The bacteria is everywhere and going to get in there, but by doing those things you help prevent their taking hold and establishing an infection. Drink the water, take short showers in a well ventilated room, wear a mask when gardening, wet the soil to keep the dust down, and have somebody else empty bags of amendments when you’re not around. Then be sure to nebulize and clear the airways to prevent the bacteria from taking up residence.” My life stall doesn’t involve large crowds or close quarters, but if it did I would mask. I already have MAC, so I can’t be sure I’ve prevented anything, but it hasn’t grown significantly. The only exacerbation I’ve had (untreated) was the result of a sinus infection. I’d say I’m moderate in the precautions I take, but faithful to the prevention part.

@cholash Yes, masking helps with most respiratory illnesses, even MAC, I believe. But for me, every respiratory illness raises the real possibility of an exacerbation, which can cause weeks of poor health, and especially, set off my coughing again.
I cannot accept that 200+ people in a crowded waiting area and jetway, then in a long skinny tube, breathing, coughing, and sneezing, are not a risk - I keep my mask on except when eating or drinking. Besides, we don't always know how well the ventilation system is working. I flew thousands of miles last fall, including 4 flights in 5 days, and managed to not catch anything. Back in my working days, when I flew almost weekly, I caught a cold or other "bug" on about every third or fourth flight - and that was years before my Bronchiectasis was diagnosed.

@annagh I’ve heard of your doctor , and recognize that he’s kind of a big deal (!) , for lack of better words .
Thank you so much for sharing . This really helps me to put it all in perspective , and not become obsessed with every perceived danger that comes my way. That’s not living. As a result, I think I’ll be a happier person , which my husband will really appreciate lol.
Do you neb twice daily? I’m great about 1, but not 2. I guess I had better up my game with the saline .