Barb....if you want to learn what MAC is...a type of NTM....go to NTMinfo.org to find helpful links.....Nationaljewish.org and mayoclinic.org are good resources.tdrell

Thanks for your reply:). I was coughing ridiculously when I finally received my bronchiectasis diagnosis. But it has greatly improved now (thank goodness). I actually coughed only a little bit up at times so I think that is why he ordered the vest. I tried the nebulizer first and it didn't cause much improvement in clearing my lungs so he ordered the vest. It has helped move more stuff out of my lungs, but it is still not a lot. I read the instructions on how to use the Acapella device as it was sent to me in the mail. I am glad to have this alternative but will be anxious to hear about your appt. in Oct. and if it has kept your lungs stable so please provide an update on how that goes. Good luck!

@barbb, Hello. Here is some info for you in a nutshell. MAC is short for mycobacterium avium complex a.k.a. NTM (non-tuberculosis mycobacterium) mac is a cousin to T.B. only it is not contagious like t.b. People with bronchiectasis are more prone to developing an infection from this bacteria than people without .That is due to the structural changes in the lung tissue that bronchiectasis causes and it traps bacteria. There is a lot of info in our older posts. You can go to the Discussion Board on the group's homepage and scroll through the topics. If you go to the magnifying glass at the top of this page and click on it, a box will appear. Type in @kateman and that member's posts will pop up. She has p Please let me know if you have trouble navigating this site.osted lots of helpful info. Same with my name @windwalker.