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Have MAC and coughing up blood

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Jan 26, 2023 | Replies (33)

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@bee1950

Hi,
Coughing up blood is scary. I was diagnosed in Nov. 2017 with bronchiectasis & MAC due to an incident of hemoptysis. Until about 9 months ago, my hemoptysis became more frequent (every 2-3 weeks) until my pulmonologist suggested that I start the “big 3” drugs. Around the same time I began nebulizing 7% sodium chloride (after mixing 3% & 7% for several weeks). My hemoptysis stopped for about 5 months & recently I’ve had only two occurrences in the last 4 months. I also realized that for the first time in 20 yrs there was no cat litter in my house. I continue my normal activities (walking, gardening, etc) & we are monitoring my bronchiectasis & MAC with a yearly CT & frequent sputum samples. My lung function is normal for my age. Hang in there & listen to your body. Take care.

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Replies to "Hi, Coughing up blood is scary. I was diagnosed in Nov. 2017 with bronchiectasis & MAC..."

Thank you for these replies. Truly comforting to know so many suffer with this. I’d never heard of MAC or bronchiectasis prior to my sister’s diagnosis. Let me add that I am 60 years old. I’ve run 6 marathons & countless half marathons. My last one was March 2020. Not sure if those are in my future but for now I run 6 days a week. Not always distance but something to get my lungs working. I’ve zero symptoms apart from almost daily coughing episodes and I keep working at it till my lungs crackle no longer. Blood sometimes. The last large bright red episode was last August but several not so frightening episodes since then. My first pulmonary function test was normal and my excellent lung dr says if second one also normal by comparison we can hold off on meds. I truly feel fine, no fatigue or needing extra sleep, very energetic. I was taking clear lungs but switched to mullein, NAC, echinacea & vit d. Was taking more but now just these. My big questions are - can it go away on its own? Or if not. Can I keep it from getting worse & live a good life into ripe old age unless something else gets me? Thank you!