I was told I may have gotten MAC from swimming in a public pool,

Thank you for all your responses. I am new with this infection, usually I am considered health the until now😔

Attempting to determine where we contacted Mac is a guess at best. The root cause is our compromised immune system. Much is from our genetics. We are usually considered tall and slim, may have alpha-1 in our ancestry and were probably exposed to severe case of the flu or other infection in the past. Some of this explains why we are not contagious.

Hi Sue! What exactly is an exacerbation? My pulmonologist said the a head cold is not a big deal. If things move to my chest, contact him.

Yup, the head cold fell into my lungs. After coughing hard enough for two weeks to strain muscles, started a prednisone burst. I know this is not usually done with bronchiectasis but I also have asthma and currently no infection, so it is the pre-approved plan with my pulmonologist and woks for me. After 2 days the cough is much better and so is my breathing. Step 2, if the prednisone isn't enough, is antibiotics. Haven't had to resort to it for over 3 years.
Sue

My NJH doctor told me many years ago to stay away from water sources other than natural sources. This was in response to my query about replacing the water pipes in our home in hopes of removing the mycobacterium. What I learned is that mycobacterium is ubiquitous, as well as harmless to most of the population. It's everywhere - air, water, soil. According to my doctor it clings to a biofilm that lines water pipes. So, in my situation, unless the pipes from the Hoover Dam were replaced and somehow mycobacterium could no longer cling to the biofilm, there is no way I'm going to avoid it in the shower, a pool (indoor/outdoor), hot tub, etc. As one who loves to swim this was a huge blow. (I've found other ways to exercise and stay active.) And I take incredibly short rain-head (less spray) showers (with the bathroom fan running) and avoid any restaurant that uses those nasty misters (that as far as I can tell are not regulated). NTM presents many, many challenges so we all have to choose what we're willing to give up in order to live with it. Diagnosed in 2010 and unable to tolerate the meds, I've done nearly everything else suggested to stay as healthy as possible (I did balk at removing my right middle lobe...not there yet). If swimming is your happy place, the decision is yours to make. Best to you!

Thank you so much for the information. I would stay away from swimming for a while.

I am newly diagnosed with MAC. Trying to decide whether to get SANS air and water purifiers, a new hot water tank and a brand new shower since mine may have mold. I will stop indoor pools. I wonder if these steps are smart, or going too far because I am overwhelmed and worried. I have no real symptoms yet, so wait and watch approach without treatment yet. Please reply.i am quite anxious. Thank you.

@newbird
Welcome to Mayo Connect but sorry to hear of the new diagnosis. One of the best defenses, I believe, is knowledge and education. Towards that end, I'm attaching a paper written by NTM guru Dr. Falkinham. Once you have a chance to read through it, post any specific questions you have about modifications you're thinking to make. Everyone here manages slightly differently, some being more risk adverse than others. What works for you might not work for someone else. Please be assured that the modifications are manageable. Take a deep breath, you've found a good place to ask questions and get support.

A very valuable video to watch: How We Should Think About Our Environment

@newbird Let me add to scoops welcome - there are thousands of us on Connect who are willing to share your journey and answer your questions.
First, you are asymptomatic so what mediical adventure led to the diagnosis? And you say you using the "wait and watch" approach - did the pulmonologist start you doing airway clearance? Do you also have bronchiectasis, asthma or COPD?
Sorry for so many questions, but we like to be able to offer our best suggestions for coping with this diagnosis, which seems overwhelming at first.

@sueinmn Thank you Sue, and Scoop and everyone, for your concern and advice. I was diagnosed with MAC in January as an incidental finding when hospitalized for flu. I do not know exactly which strain. Do I need to know that? As of now, I don't have discernable symptoms , perhaps a little cough which could be seasonal allergies. There is an area of MAC in one lung that seems pretty localized. Does MAC ever stay contained so that treatment is not needed, or does it always progress to symptomatic with treatment required? I don't have COPD or bronchiectisis. What I do have is severe coronary artery disease and other electrical and valve problems with my heart, but the heart muscle itself is pretty strong. The only treatment I have seen for MAC is a prolonged course of antibiotic combinations with potentially terrible side effects. The problem is that I have a BMI of 15.5 and cannot afford to lose any weight. That makes me very fearful of starting treatment if it is needed, given the potential for stomach issues. The cure could be worse than the disease. I am getting a new shower since mine is old, a new water tank, new SANS water pitcher with UV , new SANS air purifiers. I have a dehumidifier in the basement, and will try cleaning tips suggested. do I need to clean my sump pump, and how is that done? A big loss is swimming at the YMCA which I have been asked to consider NOT doing due to water droplets in air at indoor pools. But since swimming is the only activity that does not aggravate my heart arrhythmias, the pulmonologist said I have to balance lung health with heart health and that I should decide if I should continue swimming. Honestly, I do not know. Any thoughts? I did watch Scoop's video and read the article he sent with lots of good information. If anyone has thoughts on this post, I would appreciate any feedback. I am sorry that you are all living with these diseases . I am grateful for your willingness to share your expertise.