How to stay safe from MAC infections after bronchiectasis

I have had Bronchiectasis since around 2001. As far as i know i do not have MAC. But the sputum testing for it does not always reveal it. People seem to say a Bronchoscopy is how they found it. Things i do or have read about to prevent it are: Nebulizing with Saline, Taking baths instead of showers, Not digging in the dirt or gardening or at least wear a good mask if you do, boiling water for 10 minutes or using spring water or using a LifeStraw pitcher that filters it out, masking when you vacuum or clean dust etc. Of course keeping your immune system strong with vitamin D3 etc.

I have had Bronchiectasis since around 2001. As far as i know i do not have MAC. But the sputum testing for it does not always reveal it. People seem to say a Bronchoscopy is how they found it. Things i do or have read about to prevent it are: Nebulizing with Saline, Taking baths instead of showers, Not digging in the dirt or gardening or at least wear a good mask if you do, boiling water for 10 minutes or using spring water or using a LifeStraw pitcher that filters it out, masking when you vacuum or clean dust etc. Of course keeping your immune system strong with vitamin D3 etc.

Hi again,
Do you have a Nebulizer to recommend?

Many thanks!
Ling

I hope I am MAC free. Sputum tests are not that reliable for MAC which is all I have had. I do have chronic Pseudomonas A. which if you ask me is as bad or worse! But I keep doing all I can to deal with it and to prevent MAC. You are fortunate to get all this information early on. I did not do anything much about my Bronchiectasis for many years other than cough up the mucus once a day with self learned breathing techniques. I only started with the nebulizing etc. etc. a few years ago. Do all you can to keep your airways clear. As my pulmonologist said "your airway secretions do not work normally with Bronchiectasis so you have to do other things to stay ahead of the mucus. And even then your clearance will not be as good as normal secretions". We really have to live differently than other people and avoid getting the flu or exacerbations to prevent further airway damage.

I use the Pari Vios or the Pari Proneb Max. Those are the compressors. The reusable nebulizer cups are called Sprint also by Pari. And they come with tubing to connect the two. There are other systems that i am sure are good but that is what i use. Usually your pulmonologist will recommend which system and percentage of hypertonic Saline at 3% or 7% or other things like Albuterol depending on your situation. I found 7% saline to be much more effective. At first i did it once a day and then my pulmo told me twice a day. I also use the Aerobika twice a day. But then i have more mucus to clear due to the chronic Pseudomonas infection. If your pulmo is not an expert in Bronchiectasis then you might look for one if possible.

Thanks a million for the info. You have a good point to find a pulmonologist expert in this area. I am not able to yet. I hopeI could find one.

Ling

I use the Pari Vios or the Pari Proneb Max. Those are the compressors. The reusable nebulizer cups are called Sprint also by Pari. And they come with tubing to connect the two. There are other systems that i am sure are good but that is what i use. Usually your pulmonologist will recommend which system and percentage of hypertonic Saline at 3% or 7% or other things like Albuterol depending on your situation. I found 7% saline to be much more effective. At first i did it once a day and then my pulmo told me twice a day. I also use the Aerobika twice a day. But then i have more mucus to clear due to the chronic Pseudomonas infection. If your pulmo is not an expert in Bronchiectasis then you might look for one if possible.

https://ntminfo.org/united-states-of-america/
Here Ling