Discussions
Discussions
anthonynorthend Check-In 07/30/2025
Hello, I just joined this group as I have just been diagnosed with Bronchiectasis and NTM. I had a series of 4 CT scans from 2005 to 2007. All 4 of them suggested that I may have a MAC infection, the last one I had in 2007 also suggested that I may also have Bronchiectasis. Does this suggest that I may have developed MAC first and that the MAC caused the Bronchiectasis? The CT scan and sputum cultures in 2025 finally confirms that I have both conditions.
Replies
Anthony,Hello! Welcome to our community. We are glad that you found us. Were you treated for a MAC infection back in 2007?
Bronchiectasis can follow an infection. In addition to the community support you receive here on BronchiectasisandNTM360, you can call one of our Patient Ambassadors directly by phone at (833) 411-5864. Our Ambassadors are real live patients with experiences similar to yours and understand what you are going through. You can also email us at contactus@bronchandntm.org to get more information about these topics. Our Ambassadors can’t provide medical advice but may be able to assist you with additional information and resources on both NTM and Bronchiectasis.
Welcome anthonynorthend
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Hi anthony......Sorry, I can't answer your questions--way over my pay grade. I have mild bronchiectasis and moderate COPD. I did come down with pneumonia over a year ago and antibiotics got me well pretty quickly. I'd say it's a good sign that you feel fine. You'll know more after your appt. Good luck. There's lots of support here so you're in the right place. Read all the info in the tabs above and call the number if you want to speak with someone
Information on Airway Clearance: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Coping-with-Airway-Mucus
Information on diagnostic testing: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Patient-or-Caregiver/Diagnostic-Testing-and-Evaluation
Hello! Unfortunately, your case is not very unusual in this field of BNTM. Many patients have been misdiagnosed for years with other pulmonary issues, such as asthma, Bronchitis, pneumonia and other diagnoses. However, this has been changing over the past decade since more education and public awareness is being done on BNTM.
The good news is that you did well over the past 20 years, antibiotics assisted in resolving your cough. I do not know the details of the cat scans. Your doctor will discuss the detailed results of the cat scan and pulmonary function tests which will reveal the “ real” current picture of your lungs . Your doctor may want to monitor you closely for awhile, based on the findings or start you on medications. . Learning about airway clearance is of utmost importance in the interim.
You can call the 833-411-5864number if you would like to discuss this further- we are here to support you. Additionally, reading the educational materials in the tabs above on the right , as Das recommended will be very helpful for you.
It is not our intention to serve as a substitute for medical advice and any content posted should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We make every effort to support our members, our medical professionals cannot and will not provide a diagnosis or suggest a specific medication; those decisions should be left to your personal medical team. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with COPD, please consult a physician before making changes to your own COPD management plan.
Community posts are monitored by the 360social Community Manager, as well as staff respiratory therapists, educators, and other medical professionals.