MAC lung disease is brought on by a bacterial known as Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Most individuals who inhale or consume these germs don’t become sick. Some individuals may be more prone to developing a slow-growing infection due to certain pre-existing conditions. Infections impact breathing, which can be challenging to address if discovered too late. However, doctors say MAC lung illness is not contagious. So, let us discuss its causes, symptoms, and management.

MAC lung disease causes
A separate illness known as MAC lung disease is brought on by a bacterial genus called Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). People can contract the infection by breathing the bacteria frequently found in soil and water. While anyone can become infected with MAC, the following are a few factors identified by doctors that may increase the risk of developing MAC lung disease:

• Weakened immune system: People already having diseases that weaken their immune systems, such as HIV, certain cancers, or autoimmune diseases, have a higher risk of developing MAC lung disease.
• Age: Older adults over 65 are more likely to develop MAC lung disease than other age groups.
• Gender: According to studies, it is found that women are more likely to develop MAC lung disease than men.
• Lung damage: People with a history of lung damage, such as COPD or bronchiectasis, are more susceptible to MAC lung disease.
• Environmental exposure: Exposure to contaminated soil or water, particularly in some geographic regions, may increase the risk of developing MAC lung disease.

MAC lung disease symptoms
MAC lung disease symptoms differ and are frequently nonspecific, which adds to the delay in diagnosis. Some individuals only experience minor symptoms or none at all. People infected by this disease often exhibit the following signs:

• Fatigue
• Chronic cough with or without mucus
• Hemoptysis or coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Low-grade fever (99.6 F to 100.3 F )
• Anxiety
• Night sweats
• Chest pain

MAC lung disease treatment options
You might consult an expert in infectious diseases or pulmonary prescription because MAC lung disease is challenging to treat. Both fields of study are skilled at identifying and managing illnesses. MAC lung disease is treated differently depending on the intensity of the symptoms. They consist of the following:

1. Surgery: In unusual cases, if prescriptions don’t work, you might need surgery to remove a portion of the infected cells of the lung. One needs to take antibiotics briefly after the operation to eradicate any remaining bacteria.
2. Chest physical therapy: A therapist might tap or pressure your ribcage. At that exact moment, they’ll make you breathe a certain way. This may aid in dislodging mucus that has built up in your airways.
3. Breathing exercise: You can learn breathing techniques from a physician or respiratory practitioner. One is referred to as the “huff” method. You’ll inhale slowly and deeply before forcing a forceful exhalation. To simplify coughing up mucus, you want to get air behind your mucus.

There are MAC microbes all around us. It is impossible to avoid them altogether. However, you can speak with your doctor about preventing your continuing symptoms and preventing infection. Apart from the treatment mentioned above for MAC lung disease prognoses, such as antibiotics and surgery, people with MAC lung disease may benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation, including regular exercise training and a few breathing techniques to improve lung function and minimize the symptoms.
Working closely with a healthcare professional or doctor is essential to manage MAC lung disease and its associated symptoms. In addition, regular monitoring and treatment adjustments may be essential to ensure the best possible outcome.

Final words
Healthcare professionals heal MAC lung disease if sputum cultures are negative for infection for an entire year. Though the condition that made you prone to MAC can still be present, the infection could return from fresh exposure or lingering bacteria in the lungs.
Your healthcare practitioner will watch for infection recurrence since MAC lung disease causes permanent lung damage. The objectives and expectations should be clear going into treatment because you might always have respiratory issues, even after treatment. Hence be cautious and watch for its symptoms and get treated.