I'll first address houseplants. My daughter & I both have them, in abundance! We also have bronchiectasis, asthma, environmental allergies, and I have had MAC and pseudomonas.
After researching, talking with friends with lung issues and U of MN plant experts, here is what we do:
- Use sterilized potting soil & wet it before handling. Wear gloves & mask when messing with soil. Better yet, have someone else do the reporrting if you can.
- Cover the soil with a healthy layer of aquarium gravel to minimize airborne particles.
- Water plants from the bottom, soak until water wicks to the top, then remove standing water from the saucers. I carry mine to the sink to soak, then drain & return to their homes. My daughter has a heavy "boot try" where she puts her plants to water. (The soak takes 20 min- 1 hour depending on plant size.) If the pot is too heavy to lift to dump water, remove it with a turkey baster.
Remember, plants help clean the air in your home, so if you can keep them safely, it is a good thing.
As I always tell people, your results may vary, but my plants are a source of joy and by taking precautions I feel safe keeping them.
As for medication, there is a time and place for it!
The current treatment guidelines, from 2020, I believe, can be found here: https://ntminfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/NTMguidelines2020.pdf
People who are asymptomatic, do not have cavities or other evidence of advancing infection in their lungs, or have problems tolerating the medications can try other strategies, even if positive for MAC.
I was treated during 2018-2019, but had increasing side effects. At the end of 2019, I switched to daily airway clearance with 7% saline nebs and other meds only as needed even though my cultures were still positive. (My lung CT was improved.) This has kept me healthy except for one short exacerbation for over 2 years.
Sue
Hi Sue, I don’t have pseudomonas or MAC, but I wonder if some of the precautions you and others have written about is something that all patients with Bronchiectasis should consider? Masking when gardening, bathing instead of showering etc These would be some extra precautions besides exercise and airway clearance??