My new pulmonologist told me Bronchoiectasis causes MAC

I have been diagnosed with MAC and now that I have a new pulmonologist, i finally feel as if I am in good hands and being treated properly; first Dr. wanted me on a round of 3 antibiotics 3 times a week for 18 months. Checking my eyesight and liver and heart regularly. Wow- i wasn't about to take that on. I now nebulize with 7% saline solution 2 pumps of Albuterol before hand and have just added an Aerobika to the nebulizer; recent lung scan showed no changes and I am to have another one in 6 months. I am managing it under this Dr.'s care whom i found through the NTM association. Great information on here, with Sue's leadership. If I have a flare up, I treat myself with a Tesslon Pearl pill.

@jenniferlp Are you on the antibiotics?

I had had this for almost ten years now. On third round of the big 3. Plus a puffer and now Clofazimine.
I have done a lot of research and asked a lot of questions.
I have been told it’s like the chicken or the egg. Which came first.
BE gives lots of hiding place for MAC to grow and mucus for it to hide in which makes the drugs less effective to get at it. So if you have BE, you lungs can’t force out and fight MAC as well. MAC can cause BE from the infection. So which did you start with?
MAC is in the soil, and water and air (if stirred up). I was told to wear an N95 mask while gardening. Also to soak my shower head in bleach once a month as can come from there.
Do what you love while you can and take precautions.

Both are correct. MAC can cause BE as an infectious agent and BE can cause MAC infection when we breathe it in due to hiding places in lungs and mucus where it can grow.You are right MAC is normally found in soil and water and we breath it in through dust and aerosols. Take precautions. Be safe.

Hi everyone, I like you have been living with Bronchiectasis and MAC most of my life. My pulmonologist has me on Bactrim 2x a day, and a nebulizer 3 x day. Never has he told me that there were other treatments out there that would help. The aerokia , the vibration air vest, physical therapy, or massage people who have you lying on your side and the massage or pump your ribs .
Noah Greenspan did some videos that I just saw.
Check it out.
Noah@pulmonary-wellness.org

Noah@pulmonary-wellness.org

@ellieoak We are all here to learn from one another. As far as I know, Bactrim is not an antibiotic of choice fore treating MAC. Have you considered seeing a pulmonologist who specializes in treating MAC and Bronchiectasis?

@sueinmn I didn’t know that there was such a doctor. I’ve been going to this pulmonologist for years. I am definitely going to call around to find someone else. Thank you for your input.

@ellieoak Here is a list of centers of excellence, vetted by the NTM (non-tubercular mycobacteria) organization:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/the-bronchiectasis-care-center-network-33-centers/
Perhaps one of thes is near you?

@sueinmn Thank you, I’m in Chicago Illinois so I was thinking that there might be some here. You are very kind to offer me a list. This cuts down on my hunting.

Sueinmn, I know that you have Northwest hospital on the list, I’m going to check them out. Thank you.