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How important/helpful is a respiratory therapist for someone with MAC?

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Nov 14, 2023 | Replies (9)
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@annagh

YouTube is definitely helpful as are support groups. Because of these things I now know, whether I eventually go on the Big 3 or not, I'll be doing airway clearance for the rest of my life, and I've learned a lot about doing it more effectively. I so appreciate that!

But I'd certainly love an in-person consult with a respiratory therapist if I can manage to get one.

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Replies to "YouTube is definitely helpful as are support groups. Because of these things I now know, whether..."
sue102 | @sue102 | Mar 26, 2023

Dear Annagh, you should call doctor’s office and ask them about how to see the respiratory therapist at their department if they have one; and what else they do for NTM patients. R. Therapists work in the hospital, often times, with inpatients and may only have a day or two with outpatients.
I would highly recommend seeing one even if you would have to stay overnight near the hospital to make it worth the long drive. Also, if they have a large NTM department, your doctor may want to evaluate your lung function to determine if you need inhaled meds to help deliver the saline to the small bronchioles.
I had all of that done when I went to NJH and found that Albuterol puffs helped open the smallest bronchioles to clear up thick mucus plugs lodged there.
I wish you the best.

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