I started MAC treatment in March but I had to stop in June due to tachycardia. Now I'm waiting for my pulmonologist to come up w a new treatment plan. I've been off treatment for a week now. I'm worried about not being on treatment.

What treatment is available if the big 3 used for MAC causes tachycardia. Are there other options?

Happy New Year! I am curious if anyone else with Bronchiectasis/NTM washes their hair in the kitchen sink instead of the shower. After my first hospital experience 3+ years ago, I recall being told to avoid steam and the aerosols from the shower as much …

Many caregivers need to be reminded that they must take care of themselves as well as the person that they are caring for. Similar to the being a person on an airplane, it is important to be reminded that you must put the mask on yourself properly before …

Knowledge is power. The more you know about a particular disease and how it impacts an individual, the better you will be prepared as a caregiver. We host a monthly online BNTM Coffee Social support group on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 3pm, EST. …

I’ve started treatment for PA mucoid variant. My pulmo chose Cipro monotherapy. I was inspired by those who commented about this as common and about treatments that worked to “eradicate” or at least minimize it as an issue for them. The literature about …

This tool assists individuals to manage their Bronchiectasis. The tool outlines steps for daily management and provides guidance on what to do if symptoms increase: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative …

What were the first symptoms that you noticed? How long (after the onset of symptoms) did it take for your diagnosis to be confirmed? Were you diagnosed with bronchiectasis, NTM, or both?

The information below is taken from a paper, Reducing Environmental Exposure to NTM, by Joseph Falkinham, PhD, May 3rd, 2021 Flush and Run W ater in Unused Lines to Reduce Water A ge. Water age refers to the time water stays in pipes in houses. …

It is recommended that you unscrew the showerhead and submerge it in undiluted bleach for 30 minutes. Remove it from the bleach and rinse before screwing it back on the shower tap. It is also recommended to replace the showerhead with one that produces …

The link below reviews the diagnostic tests used to determine whether or not a patient has an Aspergillosis infection: https://fightfungus.org/diagnostic-testing-aspergillosis/

I have intermittent asthma, resulting in an onset of wheezing, which often occurs with severe weather changes. The symptoms of asthma are often confused with a respiratory flare-up. The symptoms of asthma may lead one to be anxious, fearing that they are …

I have intermittent asthma, resulting with an onset of wheezing, and occurring severe weather changes . The symptoms of asthma are often confused with a respiratory flare up. The symptoms of asthma may lead one to be anxious, fearing that they are …

There are many causes of post nasal drip, including sinus infections and allergies. The link below reviews the basics of post nasal drip and the treatment options: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community …

Stress and strong emotions can present with respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath and rapid breathing, as the airway between the nose and the lungs constricts. For people without respiratory disease, this is generally not a problem as the …

This tool assists you to identify, track your symptoms so you are able to communicate more effectively with your health care provider. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/DownloadsLibrary/Files/NTM_Management_Tool.pdf Please let us …

The link to the Bronchiectasis Action Plan tool may assist you in tracking your symptoms and communicating effectively with your health care provider. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/DownloadsLibrary/Files/ActionPlanEnglish.pdf

Common side effects include a metallic taste and an upset stomach . The link below goes into greater details about this drug: https://www.drugs.com/clarithromycin.html Please let us know if you have any questions.

Ethambutol is best taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before breakfast. Do take the full dosage of 2-3 pills at the same time- do not divide the dosage throughout the day. Lab tests- a CBC( cell blood count) and a Biochemistry panel should be done monthly …

It is recommended that you have your hearing checked at least every 6 months or much more frequently if you already have a hearing loss.

It is recommended that you take Rifampin at bedtime with a saltine cracker and a few sips of water. Labwork is recommended once a month which includes a Cell Blood Count,( CBC) that checks your white blood cell count and your platelet count, ( clotting ) …

Hi,, I will be traveling soon and want a recommendation for a portable nebulizer. My searches have brought up info from 7-8 years ago. Can anyone recommend a newer portable nebulizer? thanks

The link below provides an interaction checker to alert you if there is any drug to drug interactions, drug and food interactions: https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html

Different antibiotics are used to treat different types of respiratory infections. The link below reviews the basic function of antibiotics and describes the details for each antibiotic listed. You will find that a certain antibiotic or a few antibiotics …

The link below reviews the basics of inhaler and nebulizer usage: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Inhaled-Medicines Please let us know if you have any specific questions.