Hi Kee, welcome to the group - first of all, MAC is Mycobacterium Aviums Complex, a type of non-tubercular mycobacteria (NTM). It is a slow-growing bacteria that likes to colonize in warm, moist places. Most lungs are very good at ejecting mucus through the cough reflex, but those with bronchiectasis and/or fibrosis are damaged, and mucus tends to get "stuck" and provide a place for germs to grow. Mycobacteria and Pseudomonas are 2 of the most common.

The problem with waiting to be symptomatic is that an infection can sneak in and get a good head start before you will notice a problem. If you want to be proactive, you might want to find a pulmonologist experienced in the treatment of fibrosis &/bronchiectasis who can evaluate your CT, oxygen sats & spirometry (lung input & output.) Based on the findings, it may be recommended for you to do some airway clearance to keep most of the mucus out of your lungs. If that is recommended, you can come back here and talk about what/when/how.

Do you think you can ask one of your docs for referral to a pulmonologist?
Sue

Oh my stars! You are the 1st person I’ve found that had what I have. Pulmonary fibrosis from chest radiation. As a result I now have Traction Bronchiectasis. I don’t know what MAC is either. I don’t cough up sputum. I don’t hv chest congestion. If you do start to get congestion you need to get antibiotics to prevent it from turning into bronchitis or pneumonia. Also when traveling it’s good idea to hv a supply of antibiotics on hand so u can start until u are home to see your doc. If u cough up a bit of blood go to emergency room. This happened to me. I hv had my issue for 30 yrs and only happened once. Not trying to scare you. Talk about your doctor about this. It is not very common. Drink lots of water daily. I use Symbicort daily. 2 puffs morning, 2 puffs evenings. Hope this helps! Please keep in touch! Kathy