Life Expectancy with cavitary MAC

No my doctor hasn't really told me anything but I feel like I kind of do the airway clearance. I cough as hard as I can to bring up any mucus. It is usually clear. But I will look up airway clearance techniques and see what I can find. Thank you so much.

5+ years for me and I have 8:30 tee time Monday

Hi Maycarol,

Trying to maintain a BMI within normal range will go along way. It’s important that your body has the nutrients and calories it needs to fight infection.

Additionally, learning all you can about airway clearance is critical. The more tools we have in our airway clearance toolbox, the better.

If your health insurance allows it, you might also want to think about going to a bronchiectasis center like National Jewish Health or the Mayo Clinic. It’s always a good idea to go to a doctor who has decades of experience with bronchiectasis, especially when dealing with cavitary disease.

Although the bronchiectasis community is here to support you, you might also consider professional emotional support. Many of us also experience anxiety and at times depression. These comorbidities are common with this disease.

All the best,
Linda Esposito

At my diagnosis 6 years ago, I had a cavity. While waiting for bronchoscopy results which took 5 weeks, it grew to 10 cm without treatment. Side effects of meds was least of my worries. I started on big 3 and nebulizing Levalbuterol and saline solution and inhaled Arikayce. Took 4 years since it grew so much but finally shrunk to 4 cm with meds.

Thank you for your commment. I was told the hospital will give me a call to schedule and appointment with the ID doctor. It sounds like I should also try to speak with a pulmonologist. I'm really afraid to start antibiotics reading all the side effects it can cause. It's hard for me right now to consider any of that since the only symptom I have is a chronic cough and I don't feel sick. I will ask about the nebulizer and airway clearance.

Thank you again.

I started out with a chronic cough about 10 years ago. I waited 5 years too late for treatment.

My cavity shrunk after 6 months approximately of meds. Could not believe that was possible! Had to stop then due to overall side effects. Several months later feeling good, greatfull, and sputum samples are negative for MAC for a while now! I wish you the best!

Hello, I think your idea of finding a pulmonologist is a very good one. I noticed in a previous post you said "I cough as hard as I can to bring up any mucus" That is not a very good way to do airway clearance because it can lead to sore ribs, sore throat and other issues, so it sounds like you could really use some coaching and a plan.

Here is a very helpful, but somewhat long video explaining the "whys" and "hows" of airway clearance from the World Bronchiectasis Conference a few years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKA5IR7ePQo

Now let's talk about antibiotics...NOBODY wants to be on them, but some of us need them. It might be interesting to read what some of our members have recently had to say:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/macntm-is-different-for-everyone-treatment-might-be-different-too/

Also, since you posted under the topic of "Cavitary MAC" have you been told that there are cavities of infection in your lungs? The presence of cavities is one of the key reasons for deciding to treat with antibiotics, because it means the infection has been there for a long time, and may be hard to clear.
Sue

No I have not been told that I have cavities of infection in my lungs. I haven't been told much about any of this just that I have MAC. I will hopefully find out when I see the ID doctor. I found this site when I typed in MAC. I didn't know there were other types of MAC. But I'm finding that reading these post helps me understand a little about MAC.

Maritomi

I was diagnosed with allergies for 5 years of my chronic cough. Hindsight.