Welcome to the group, @janeb. I have been diagnosed with bronchiectasis and MAC in the fall of 2014, Like you I have not been on any treatment despite some scare earlier on of coughing up blood (have not done that for over a year). And like you I am in good health except having excess mucus due to bronchiectasis. I am moving forward with my life by eating healthy and staying active. Bronchiectasis is incurable, but manageable. MAC/MAI may be treated with antibiotics. But whether going on the treatment and for how long is a combination of doctor's opinions and patient choices. After obtaining information from my pulmonary doctor about the pros and cons of the long-term effects of the antibiotics, I decided that the negative effect of these drugs on my body would outrun the positive ones and chose not to take them. My doctor agree with my decision. So far my lung health has not progressed any further in a negative way. However, you will find out by going through postings on this forum that there are many here who have been on the "big three" antibiotics. There are also measures people are taking to expel excess mucus, which is the culprit for trapping bacteria in the bronchial tubes resulting in MAC, MAI or other types of lung infections. Although we share the same disease(s), our physical conditions are very different. If you have other lung illnesses or suppressed immune system, bronchiectasis and MAC/MAI may cause further damage to your lungs without treatment. In that case, taking antibiotics may be a necessity. Hopefully by going through postings on this forum you will find it helpful to make decisions as to what to do going forward. Feel free to ask questions. People are very quick to provide answers or suggestions here. Best of luck and welcome to the group.

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