How can I track my symptoms over time to see if they are getting worse or improving?

Patients can discuss symptom tracking approaches with their healthcare provider to monitor changes and treatment progress over time.

Treating MAC lung disease

Partnering with your doctor on a treatment plan for MAC lung disease

Q: What treatment options are available to me for my MAC lung disease?

Treatment options may include airway clearance techniques, inhalers, lifestyle changes, and antibiotic therapy depending on the individual's condition and physician recommendations.

Q: After I start treatment, how will we be tracking my progress?

Patients should discuss monitoring plans with their doctor, including how treatment effectiveness and disease progression will be assessed.

What a MAC lung disease treatment plan may look like

Airway clearance
Various methods like deep or “huff” coughing and controlled breathing techniques that break up , prevent buildup, and allow for easier clearing.

Inhalers
Devices that deliver medicine to the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

Lifestyle changes
These can include nutrition, quitting smoking, and exercising.

But for some people, these may not be enough to clear the infection. That’s why your doctor may add antibiotics to your treatment plan. Talk to your doctor about other treatments or methods you can try to help keep your and lung health from getting worse. If you have any concerns about starting a new treatment, talk to your doctor about what to expect so you feel more prepared.

You’re not only a patient—you’re the advocate for your personal experience. Your input is important to help your doctor figure out the right MAC lung disease treatment plan for you.

If any of these are your goals for MAC lung disease treatment, starting antibiotics may help you reach them:

Did you know? Experts* suggest starting antibiotic treatment, rather than waiting, for certain people diagnosed with MAC lung disease, like those with lung cavities.

*Recommendation from the 2020 NTM Guidelines.

Take the first step to creating a treatment plan with your doctor at your next appointment

You and your doctor can work together to decide on the best MAC lung disease treatment plan for you. At your next appointment, ask your doctor how treatment can help you reach your goals.

Here are some questions to help get you started:

How can I track my symptoms over time to see if they're getting worse or improving?

What treatment options are available to me for my MAC lung disease?

After I start treatment, how will we be tracking my progress?

Find more questions to ask your doctor by downloading the full guide

Get the guide

Once I started taking the right medicine for me, I felt better. I got back to doing things and being more myself.

- Donna, a real patient

More tools are available to help support you on your MAC lung disease journey

Explore resources