← Return to MAC Question

Discussion

MAC Question

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Sep 6, 2020 | Replies (18)

Comment receiving replies
@windwalker

Shooie, originally, it was the opinion to have a 5 yr interval between ct scans because they are very powerful and can disrupt and damage cells. From what I have heard from others is that ct radiation levels have been lowered and now there is a 2 yr interval. I have not looked it up yet to see if that is true, but I will. Your dr may be thinking that a regular sputem test is unessessary because mac is a slow grower. I think it is important to get a sputem test every yr or sooner if you have a bad exacerbation. Reason being; you may have pseudomonas growing in your lungs or some other bad organism. We are at risk to other 'bugs' infecting us due to having bronchiectasis. I would stay on top of your lung health. I chose not to treat mine back in 2005 and have permanently lost a lot of lung function I think as a result of my decision.

Jump to this post


Replies to "Shooie, originally, it was the opinion to have a 5 yr interval between ct scans because..."

@migizii I have a question and wonder if someone is able to offer some insight. I see my pulmonologist yearly and my bronchiectasis has been stable (no exacerbations). However, he has not ordered a sputum test for the past two years and my CT scan states atypical microbacterial infection noted (as in previous scan). Obviously, I wasn’t aware enough to know what was going on - so I didn’t ask about it at my appointment. I continue to feel okay, but your comment about losing lung function has me concerned. Anyone think I need to pursue this?

Thank you Terri! I will ask for at least a sputum test next visit just to make sure I'm not growing something new.