Colonization of bacteria

My Dr. thinks that MAC might be colonized in my lungs. The first time I had heard of smears was last Wednesday. I asked my Dr. why we were not treating MAC. He said that I had a positive culture but a negative smear. I thought that they just did cultures on the sputum samples. The negative smear led him to believe that it might be a colonization. Before he does any treatment he is waiting on other sputum samples. I looked it up and smears are a quick result whereas a culture takes weeks to grow out. So I am still confused. I guess just have to send in more samples and wait on the results.

What about NAC? That makes a difference for some. Have you tried 2 vials of saline in one session? How about changing up what you do for deep breathing, like active cycle of breathing or using a tube to exhale through to keep the glottis open. Hope some of these suggestions are useful.

Scoop, do you use NAC? I have often heard of people using it and for some it seems to help them. I may try it in the very near future. I will try the different methods also, along with the two vials in one session. I know that will add significant time to the airway clearance but I know it will be worth it. What I’m trying to find out though does the term “colonization of bacteria” actually come before MAC or Pseudomonas.

Sue, I thank you for your response. The 1st day or 2 on the antibiotic amoxicillin/clavunate, the mucus expelled so easily and a lot during my airway clearance, that my lungs felt better than they have in two years. Then for the next 4-5 days taking the same antibiotic as prescribed. right back to where I was. Is This particular strain (Keisabella pneumonia) considered pseudomonas? I know I might be on antibiotics for some time, and no other symptoms, other than discolored mucus, and most of the time harder to cough up. You are a wealth of knowledge for this forum, so any and all information you can give me would be appreciated. I do have my local Pulmonologist monitoring this infection, but as has been said many times we all learn so much from each other on this forum that I think is priceless. Thank-you and have a great day.

What about NAC? That makes a difference for some. Have you tried 2 vials of saline in one session? How about changing up what you do for deep breathing, like active cycle of breathing or using a tube to exhale through to keep the glottis open. Hope some of these suggestions are useful.

I just tried NAC again the other day and it did nothing except give me insomnia again. Mucinex not working. Nothing is working. I use 2 viles of saline and spend a long time.

If I’m not mistaken, you have to take NAC for awhile to start seeing the benefits, I don’t remember how long though. I do remember it was talked about the length of time on this forum before, perhaps Sue or scoop would have an answer. They both are VERY knowledgeable about BE.

Scoop, do you use NAC? I have often heard of people using it and for some it seems to help them. I may try it in the very near future. I will try the different methods also, along with the two vials in one session. I know that will add significant time to the airway clearance but I know it will be worth it. What I’m trying to find out though does the term “colonization of bacteria” actually come before MAC or Pseudomonas.

I have Abscessus and I was told by NJH Lab that colonization is like a chocolate chip cookie that has many chips or a few. You definitely want a smaller amount and my NJH doctors told me since my colony count is low ranging 4-12 they don't treat unless I am sick. They said under 50 don't treat and anything above depending on your current condition (coughing, high colony count, etc) they will treat. I hope this helps with the colony count.