Some key symptoms of this specific infection are fever, cough, weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats. For some, this may only last for a few weeks, but for others, it can progress and last for months or years depending on the severity of the infection. Infection starts slowly in the lungs and spreads throughout the respiratory system. Pulmonary / Lung MAC Infections: This is by far the most common form of infection caused by MAC. If you are a visual learner, watch the YouTube video below for a visual explanation of what MAC Lung Disease is and what causes it. However, in a small number of people who are at risk, this bacterium slowly grows in the lungs and can create irreversible damage to the airways. Most people will never experience any issues due to this exposure. From working in the garden, to taking a shower, people are exposed to MAC bacteria every day. MAC Lung Disease occurs when the Mycobacterium Avium Complex bacteria enters the lungs and infection begins. Regardless of the type of MAC Lung Disease, it is important to take it seriously to maintain the health of the lungs and preserve overall quality of life. These patients need more immediate treatment to get the infection under control. The most severe type, Fibrocavitary Disease, occurs when the infection has created a cavity or “hole(s)” in the lung tissue. If untreated, there is a higher chance of developing bronchitis and pneumonia. The most common type, Nodular Bronchiectatic, occurs when infection slowly grows in the airways creating large nodules. There are two types of MAC Lung Disease that target different patients.

Around 86,000 Americans have some form of NTM infection with 80% of those being MAC Lung Disease ( Cleveland Clinic). The MAC bacteria is a form of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), meaning it is different from tuberculous and is not contagious. People over the age of sixty-five or anyone with an underlying health condition, especially lung-related diseases, are more at risk for infection caused by the MAC bacteria. While most people come into contact with the MAC bacteria, only a few become infected and are severely impacted by it. It has a thick, protective, and waxy cell wall, and found in dust, soil, and water.

MAC Lung Disease is an uncommon infection caused by Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC). Published on: ApWhat is MAC Lung Disease?

What does mac mean in medical terms