A-Fib and MAC

I believe it is the Rifampin you would not be able to take. Many people are treated without this one - it is usually considered the least "important"
Sue

Sue, I have a little heart by the azithromycin, but it was just to remind me of side effects. I am curious about the patho-physiology of the 3 antibiotics. I heard on the NTM talks podcast that the rifampin and ethambutol keep the azithromycin from becoming, what’s the word?, ineffective?

The other drugs are to make sure they hit the exact sensitivity of your MAC. But even among the experts, there has been discussion about whether the Rifampin is vital.
It's all a puzzle...I switched back and forth between Azithromycin and Clarithromycin to manage side effects.
Sue

Pardon my response which is flirting with a “Smart Ass” overtone. Should we be happy that “those doctors” who suggest there aren’t many of them who treat… Guess “not many” is much better than none. Don

Yes, I nebulize with 7% saline. What exactly do you mean airway clearance? I think we discussed that I have not been coughing much since I took Ceftin(Cefuroime) for a sinus infection on Oct. 27 last year. I do huffing when I feel particularly uncomfortable in my chest.

Thanks Sue. You are always so helpful. I took NAC and it makes me itch. A lot of meds make me itch. Mucinex 600 makes me sleepy. Obviously, I am sensitive to meds. For that reason and at age 83, I don't want to take the BIG THREE. I do take vitamins; exercise and walk regularly.

I found the following helpful after nebulizing and aerobika:
1. Breathing control
Breathing control helps relax the airways. You should
breathe in through your nose and out through your
mouth with very little effort. Use normal, gentle
breathing with the lower chest while relaxing the
upper chest and shoulders.
A good way to do this is to place one hand on your
stomach as you breathe. Remember to breathe gently
so you relax the airways. By using the pursed lip
technique when breathing out (pursing your lips like
you are kissing someone), you create back pressure in
the airways that stents the airway open longer. Repeat
breathing control for six breaths before moving to
chest expansion exercises.
2. Chest expansion exercises
Breathe in deeply. (Some people use a three-second
breath hold to get more air into smaller airways and
behind the mucus.) Then breathe out without forcing
the air out. This may be done with chest clapping or
vibrating, followed by another cycle of breathing
control.
3. Huffing or huff coughing
Also called forced expiration technique, huff cough at…(I lost the rest sorry)

I have the same issues as you are indicating. I have AFib and take several blood pressure meds and a dieretic. I don't think that it is good to take so many meds as your system and your organs break down. There are many side effects with the 3 drug program and that is not emphasized enough.

Airway clearance consists of using an airway clearance device like an Aerobika, or performing huff coughing or using a percussion vest while or after nebulizing. I do it every day, whether congested or not. You might be surprised how much mucus is loosened by the saline and will come out after the nebs.
Sue

I have bronchiectasis, A-Fib, and chronic rhinitis. The beta blocker I am on is controlling the heart rate. I have tried 2 other ones this past year and and severe allergic reaction when it and a nasal spray for chronic rhinitis were started. I am not sure which one caused the severe rash all over my body!!! I am also having a very difficult time with some nebulized medications due to the interaction with Beta Blocker. I do not have an answer. I am still trying and working with cardiologist and pulmonologist to try to tweek for the least side effects possible.