Hello Cheryl, and Welcome to Mayo Connect and our MAC & Bronchiectasis group. Not a group any of us are happy to be in, but a wonderful group of helpful people.

I'd like to reassure you that swimming in the ocean is unlikely to be causing pneumonia. I am wondering if you were also relaxing in hot tubs? Or getting off your regular routine, getting overtired and being exposed to different germs?

Before my diagnosis 4 years ago with MAC & Bronchiectasis, I was getting serious bronchitis attacks or pneumonia 3-4 times a year for about 5 years. When the pulmonologist met me, he ordered tests to see what bacteria was in my lungs...and MAC and pseudomonas infections were diagnosed. These don't show up in routine tests, just sputum cultures that take time to develop.

Since I was treated for both infections, and stopped antibiotics 20 months ago, I settled into a routine of inhalers, airway clearance & 7% saline nebs. Since then I have had 2 mild exacerbations, each treated with a short course of prednisone & once a short course of antibiotics. In addition, my asthma is well-controlled.

I think you are on the right track seeing a specialist to get a clear diagnosis.
Sue