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Negative sputum results without treatment
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Dec 12, 2019 | Replies (103)Comment receiving replies
Based on several comments in this discussion, I am interested in taking NAC. Thanks! However, I read that NAC can cause hemoptysis. Has anyone had that reaction to taking NAC orally? I was diagnosed with mild bronchiectasis (with a couple small nodules) and MAC after coughing up blood a couple of years ago, while lap swimming. Last month I again coughed up about 2-3 TBS of blood on going to bed. Other than that, I have had no symptoms and don’t take antibiotics. I am 72. I exercise and walk 2-4 miles almost every day and my spirometry/breathing results are normal.
Replies to "Based on several comments in this discussion, I am interested in taking NAC. Thanks! However, I..."
Hi. Just getting around to sending input regarding NAC. In October I had completed two weeks of IV antibiotic treatment via PICC line and at the end of my 28 days inhaling Toby. I had not been able to collect a sputum sample to see if my Pseudomonous A. Was gone. I had read posts about NAC so purchased some. I took one 500 mg and the next day I coughed hard, chest rattled and up comes sputum 4-5 times. I was thrilled but just could not believe that was from NAC. I did not take it that day but did the third day. More coughing up that green/yellow/brown stuff we're familiar with. This happened three times. I was thrilled to be able to clear that stuff out. Now I'm feeling like my old self--not short of breath, eating, gaining some weight back.. I continue doing 3% SC daily and taking NAC once daily. I ask my MAC doctor now he feels about me taking it and he said he has several patients taking it and he said to take 2 twice a day. At the moment I still take only one daily but if symptoms flair up I'll increase it. Hope these comments are helpful. Also my initial lab results came back negative but now waiting for AFB to culture out. Praying it will be negative also. God bless you.
Wanted to respond as someone who also has had bouts of coughing up blood. I also was diagnosed after bouts of hemoptysis. I have mild bronchiectasis with MAC, and I seemed to cough up blood about every 4 to 6 months. I started on NAC 600 mg twice a day as well as 3% saline (generally once a day, or twice if I am exposed to a cold or having worse symptoms). I have not had any bouts of hemoptysis in over 6 months, so the NAC has at the very least not made it any worse - and I feel it has helped with my airway clearance and actually reduced the bouts. We'll see if it lasts, but I would call this an improvement! I wish my pulmo believed in retesting for MAC because I would really like to see if I am still positive, or at least to know if the counts have decreased.
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@lorifilipek I've been taking NAC for over a year now (or maybe longer) and haven't had any issues. I have bronchiectasis, did the big three, testing negative for MAC right now. I've only heard positive things about NAC. Nan