Reducing Exposure to Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM)

Posted by Armando @bolso1, Sep 16, 2021

Please see the attached document prepared by Dr. Joseph O. Falkinham, III, a world authority on the management of NTM dispersion.

Shared files

Reducing Exposure to Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (Reducing-Exposure-to-Nontuberculous-Mycobacteria.pdf)

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

@dianesk

I currently drink Poland Spring Water because I remember Dr. Falkinham has said that spring water is safer than other bottled water (purified, etc) and has tested certain brands (only a few) that have been shown not to have NT. I would be curious if anyone remembers which brands were specifically tested. I can't seem to find the post or seminar where it was was mentioned. Thanks.

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I think one of the other brands is Crystal Geyser Spring water. It is NOT the same as Crystal Springs (another brand). So make sure it is Crystal Geyser.

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Thank you Kwi! Appreciate the info.

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@dianesk

I currently drink Poland Spring Water because I remember Dr. Falkinham has said that spring water is safer than other bottled water (purified, etc) and has tested certain brands (only a few) that have been shown not to have NT. I would be curious if anyone remembers which brands were specifically tested. I can't seem to find the post or seminar where it was was mentioned. Thanks.

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I drink Poland Spring Water as well because I read an article from Dr. Falkinham but like yourself can't seem to find it.

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@sallyb827, you can find the PDF in the original post of this discussion started by @bolso1. I have also posted here. Click the blue link below.

@becleartoday, thank you for securing permission to post it on Mayo Clinic Connect in the MAC Support Group from J.O. Falkinham, III, PhD, Virginia Tech, jofiii@vt.edu

Shared files

Reducing Exposure to Nontuberculous Mycobacteria-Joseph O (Reducing-Exposure-to-Nontuberculous-Mycobacteria-Joseph-O.-Falkinham-III-PhD-Updated-May-2021.pdf)

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@cavlover

Thanks for this info! I read that Crystal Geyser spring water is recommended. When at home, do you boil your water?
Also if we use NeilMed Sinus Rinse, should we be boiling the distilled water first?

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My doctors give me a prescription for sterile water for irrigation 1000 ml or if you prefer it comes in 500 ml. Or I boil for ten minutes. When traveling in EU countries no prescription is needed. TSA has equipment to weigh water and with the prescription it goes as medical equipment and free. Because there is not a large demand I always pick up a full case so pharmacy isn’t stuck with partial case. Also sterile water for wounds comes in smaller vials and works too. I use Walgreens as it is Nationwide and they can pull up my subscription and fill as I need it.

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@rits

I have a home distiller. I use my own distilled water for boiling my airway clearance devices. Not only am I in control of the distiller, I also don't need to lug jugs of distilled water maqde in some factory home from the grocery. I don't currently use a nasal rinse but I think I would be confident using my home brew distilled water.

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I’ve thought about buying a distiller, both because the distilled water seems to be in a little short supply and to decrease plastic waste. I am concerned about cleaning them. They look as if they could be a reservoir for water born bacteria. Which type do you have and is it easy to clean?

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@chrisheuple

My doctors give me a prescription for sterile water for irrigation 1000 ml or if you prefer it comes in 500 ml. Or I boil for ten minutes. When traveling in EU countries no prescription is needed. TSA has equipment to weigh water and with the prescription it goes as medical equipment and free. Because there is not a large demand I always pick up a full case so pharmacy isn’t stuck with partial case. Also sterile water for wounds comes in smaller vials and works too. I use Walgreens as it is Nationwide and they can pull up my subscription and fill as I need it.

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You mean you take the sterile water to Europe? I’m going for 16 days and I doubt I will be able to carry it from place to place. I’m going to drink spring water while I’m there.

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@pacathy

I’ve thought about buying a distiller, both because the distilled water seems to be in a little short supply and to decrease plastic waste. I am concerned about cleaning them. They look as if they could be a reservoir for water born bacteria. Which type do you have and is it easy to clean?

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The problems that Dr Falkinham was concerned about had to do with commercial distilled water and the receptacles that hold the water once it has been through the distiller. The only thing going through the tubes in my distiller is steam and the bacteria has been boiled out and remains in the container. I wash the container after every use and boil citric acid in it when it looks dirty. I use receptacles that have never had any water in them except my distilled water. The only problem is that it takes hours to make one gallon. I keep it in the kitchen and start it up before breakfast so it works while I am elsewhere. I bought mine through Amazon several years ago and don't see it listed there now.

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