![]() ![]() Other medicines may be used in patients who have failed therapy with these drugs or who cannot tolerate them. The shots or infusions are generally given only for the first 2-4 months. Current recommendations are to take the oral medicines until the sputum cultures do not grow the MAC for 12 months based on monthly sputum tests. ![]() If “super-bugs” (drug resistant germs) develop, then cultures would be taken and medications adjusted for efficacy and susceptibility of the ‘bugs’ to other antibiotic treatments. In other words, a MAC patient should keep taking the medications for the prescribed length of time in order for the germs to be eliminated. The usual length of treatment lasts for at least 15 to 18 months. MAC disease is very difficult to cure because it is hard for the medicines to reach the inside of the nodule or cavity. Other drug companies sometimes produce the generic forms of the medicines. This drug is either amikacin (Amikin, by Sicor Pharmaceuticals) or Streptomycin (X-Gen Pharmaceuticals). For patients with advanced or severe disease a fourth drug is given as an intramuscular shot, intravenous infusion, or inhalation (Arikayce, Insmed Incorp.). The medications are clarithromycin (Biaxin, made by Abbott Pharmaceuticals) or azithromax (Zithromax, made by Pfizer), (both belong to a chemical class of drugs called macrolides) ethambutol (Myambutol, Barr Pharmaceuticals) and rifabutin (Mycobutin, Pfizer) or rifampin (Rifadin, produced by Aventis Pharmaceuticals). Q: What kind of medications will help for MAC lung infection and for how long should these medicines be continued?Ī: The current treatment of choice for new patients with either of the two types of lung disease due to MAC is a three-drug regimen of pills. aeruginosa), as well as MAC and Mycobacterium abscessus. Bronchiectasis is associated with the development of chronic infection of bacteria known as Staphylococcus aureus ( S. The mucous builds up and causes stagnated sputum that invites infections. The excess mucous is produced and the lungs of patients with bronchiectasis do not adequately clear airways via cilia (small hairs similar to brushes that line the breathing tubes). It is associated with excessive mucous production that results in coughing and small to copious amounts of sputum. Bronchiectasis is considered to be incurable permanent damage to the affected areas of the lungs. Bronchiectasis is chronic dilatation of the breathing tubes causing secondary infection usually in the lower portion of the lungs. For patients with MAC upper lobe cavitary disease, the major risk factors are being male, average ages between 50-60, heavy smoking, and often-excessive alcohol consumption.Ī: Bronchiectasis derives its meaning from the combination of the terms “bronchus” (breathing tube) and “ectasia” (dilation). The most important relationship in women is that of bronchiectasis. For nodular disease the risk factors are being Caucasian, female, average age between 60 and 70, and having bronchiectasis. MAC pulmonary (lung) disease’ major susceptibility risk factors depend on which of the two types of disease are present. ![]() The MAC disease in AIDS is widely disseminated throughout the body and rarely involves the lung, while pulmonary MAC only involves the lungs. MAC is also acquired in conjunction with other underlying diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis, lung issues caused by heavy smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).ĭisseminated MAC disease frequently occurs in AIDS patients due to a very low immune system but is a different type of disease than chronic lung MAC. There is evidence that the disease is environmentally acquired meaning that the MAC germs get into the lungs or body via air, water, or soil. Some documentation includes the relationship of pulmonary MAC to scoliosis (curvature of the spine), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma and chronic bronchitis. ![]() This type of disease is referred to as “upper lobe cavitary disease”.Ī: There are no known causes but several factors that contribute to pulmonary MAC disease. The second type is associated with cavities in the upper parts of the lung that mimic tuberculosis. One type results in multiple nodules in the lungs and is referred to as “nodular disease”. It comprises more than one type of microorganism (both M. MAC is related to the tuberculosis germ, but is not contagious and the MAC microbes live in the environment. About “ Mycobacterium avium intracellulare complex (MAC)Ī: “ Mycobacterium avium intracellular e” (MAI) or “ Mycobacterium avium Complex” (MAC) is an atypical NON-TB germ (micro-organism). ![]()
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