Discussions

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, especially checking for liver function.
It is important to be under the care of an ophthalmologist or a neuro- owhile on Ethambutol. It is recommended to read small print daily- if blurry vision occurs two days in a row- stop the Ethambutol and see your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
( NTM Patient Course, Management of Medication Side Effects, Dr. Gwen Huitt)

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 ).

A Biochem Panel, ( also known a as a SMA20) is done to check the biochemistry of your blood , which includes checking your liver function, sodium, potassium and other essential elements in your blood necessary for proper functioning of your body

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 which agrees with you more than others . It is hard to remember the side effects of a drug that used years ago- a log to track your antibiotics will lessen the chance of repeating an antibiotic that did not agree with you in the past. https://www.drugs.com/article/antibiotics.html#a5

Using a pillbox lessens the chance of forgetting to take your medication or taking too much medication. Filling the pillbox on a weekly basis also allows you to see if you need to call for a medication refill in a timely manner. The link below reviews top rated pillboxes: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health-products/g63409243/best-pill-organizers/

The link below reviews the most commonly used meds to loosen up sputum: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Coping-with-Airway-Mucus/Medicines-for-Airway-Clearance

The link below offers some suggestions for dealing with nausea: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Coping-with-Nausea

It is important that you leases the nausea so you can eat nutritious meals that will assist you with healing.

Increased humidity- moisture in the air can affect how many respiratory patients feel on a rainy day. The blog article below reviews the impact of weather changes on our bodies: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/54/Why-Weather-can-Worsen-your-Lung-Condition

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.

Below is a link to a wallet card that will allow you to keep an organized list of your medications, allergies, vaccinations and sputum culture results. This will assist you with your health care provider visits, picking up drugs at the pharmacy, and morehttps://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Portals/0/DownloadsLibrary/Files/WalletalletCard_Bronch_NTM_Web.pdf

Below is an article that reviews tips on how to deal with seasonal allergies: https://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/how-to-get-ahead-of-allergy-season-this-spring/

I was very surprised to see a forum for this affliction. Had MAC since 2019 but Dr decided to recognize it only recently after having a bronchoscopy. Looking back at all my CT Scans it was there all the while & why it was chosen to be overlooked is a mystery. I have COPD but was complaining of severe shortness of breath that my pulmonologist said wasn’t from my lungs must be heart (I get ct scans every 6mos, looking back at those reports all have MAC all over them) but I listened, went thru a wild goose chase with heart drs & other specialists to come back to my lungs. A broncoscopy was ordered and now Dr says this is what’s goin on. I dwell on that this wouldn’t be so bad if he didn’t overlook it from the start & why would he? I just got out of a short hospital stay for acute hypoxemic failure now have to breath with oxygen & soon my MAC treatments will start, I am scared to death! I’m scared of the side-effects. My hearing is the Only good thing I have left and I read that this can be affected by the antibiotics. I need to know what to expect so I can brace for it, can someone please answer truthfully what I have to look forward to especially in the beginning stages of treatment

Airway Clearance

How to deal with

chronic cough

I have used the acapella, the flute, the aerobics and the vest in the past. There are pros and cons of each device. Below is information on airway clearance devices. https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Coping-with-Airway-Mucus/Airway-Clearance-Devices

I had some blood issues when nebulizing 7% saline, so I started diluting it about 50/50 with .9% saline. Since then there has been little or no blood. Coughing blood can be scary. My docs want me to go to the ER if I cough a tablespoon or more. I don't currently use an Aerobika or an acappella, but I do use an incentive spirometer, which helps strengthen the lungs without vibration. Best of luck to you.

Probiotics play a crucial role in maintaining digestive health, immunity, and overall well-being. Choosing the right probiotic tailored to women’s specific needs can provide long-term health benefits.

https://www.deccanherald.com/dhsponsored-health/be...

The link below provides information on good nutrition and food apps: https://www.myplate.gov/

The link below, from the Cleveland Clinic differentiates probiotics from prebiotics: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/prebiotics-vs-probiotics-whats-the-difference

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

More research is now being conducted on the relationship between our guts and chronic lung diseases; this research , the Gut / Lung Microbiome has really expanded over the past 9 years.

Dysbiosis is the imbalance of good and bad bacteria within our guts. Dysbiosis can lead to chronic inflammation and the worsening of chronic respiratory conditions. The link below explains this further in greater depth: https://theconversation.com/how-the-health-of-your-lungs-is-linked-to-the-bacteria-in-your-gut-234515

A 24 hour pH Impedance Test is a Gastrointestinal diagnostic test to check your upper Gastrointestinal system for issues such as GERD. The link below, from John Hopkins reviews the details of this test: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/24-hour-ph-impedance-testing