Outlook for Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease
Is MAC lung disease fatal?
Overall life expectancy for nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) diseases, including MAC, is based on the individual. Your age, lifestyle, overall health, strength of your immune system, and underlying or chronic issues all play a part in MAC lung disease life expectancy.
It is imperative that you engage in preventive measures, follow treatment protocol and have regular checkups with your specialist. Being proactive allows you to address the characteristics that are associated with increased complications of NTM.
NTM outlook with underlying issues
If you are already dealing with a lung-related disease, NTM can compromise your health.
Lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, bronchiectasis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) create an environment where NTM bacteria can thrive. These underlying issues impair your ability to clear initial bacteria exposure which can lead to MAC infections.
The strength of your immune system at the time of exposure also has a significant impact on your individual outcome. Immunodeficiencies such as HIV or AIDS and immunosuppressant agents such as chemotherapy or corticosteroids can also impede progress.
If you have an active infection or have been suffering with a known symptom, your specialist may advise starting treatment immediately. Proceeding cautiously yet promptly improves your outcome. Once your specialist determines the course of antibiotics that is right for you, they will order sputum tests as needed to measure and assess your response to treatment as well as decide if any treatment changes need to be made.
If your case requires antibiotics, your specialist will customize them for you, and provide instruction on using nebulizers, if appropriate. To avoid antibiotic resistance, the type of medication and combination will change over the course of your treatment.
Can NTM reoccur?
Unfortunately, recurrence rates of NTM lung infection are high, but you may improve your outcome with prevention and maintenance. While it may not be possible to eliminate all of the sources where NTM lung disease bacteria grow, these steps may help improve your outcome:
- Using a showerhead with large holes to reduce mist.
- Drain hot water heater frequently to remove sediment.
- Take shorter showers and skip baths.
- Disinfect showerheads by submerging them in household bleach or vinegar for 30 minutes.
- Avoid continual use of dehumidifiers without cleaning them thoroughly, and often.
- If you have water system, change the filter often.
Communicating with your specialist
Maintaining an open dialog with the right specialist is key to overcoming NTM lung disease. What questions should you ask to ensure you are doing everything possible to improve your outlook?
Living with NTM lung disease may be a challenge but, by educating yourself and discussing your specific case — and treatment options — with your specialist, you can reclaim your health.
