← Return to Bronchiectasis: New Diagnosis
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MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Apr 15, 2023 | Replies (382)
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Hi Mary Carol,
Lots of good questions!
Believe it or not, diagnosing bronchiectasis is not so black-and-white. There are a lot of criteria. That’s why whenever possible it’s best to go to a bronchiectasis center such as the Mayo Clinic, UT Tyler, National Jewish or NYU Langone.
Currently there are 19 centers that participate with the Bronchiectasis Research Registry. If you want to share where you live I can let you know which center is closest to you.
Best,
Linda Esposito
Hello Mary Carol, and welcome to the MAC & Bronchiectasis group. While we are not doctors and cannot offer you a diagnosis, this is the right place to ask the question.
CT results may or may not mention bronchiectasis depending on the interpreting radiologist and what they were told in the doctor's order. It is possible to have cavitary MAC without bronchiectasis, especially if you have had frequent pneumonia, long term asthma, COPD or other lung problems.
As for sputum production, we are all very different, and weather, allergies and general health can vary the production. It might be helpful to ask your doc for a consult with a Respiratory Therapist at your next appointment. There are many strategies besides huff coughing to get the mucus out. The advantage of doing it is to limit the breeding ground for bacteria that the lungs provide so nicely - warm, dark & moist.
Was a sputum culture collected from you already to confirm your diagnosis?
Sue