MAC lung disease refers to a lung infection that is caused by a species of bacteria known as Mycobacterium avium complex. MAC also includes Mycobacterium intracellulare, which is closely related to Mycobacterium avium.
MAC organisms are common in the environment and live in soil and water. Close contact with these bugs can easily lead to them being inhaled. But for the most part, inhalation of these microorganisms is harmless.
However, for those living with lung ailments, close contact with these species of bacteria can lead to serious health problems. Age and other factors can also make individuals susceptible to developing MAC lung disease. Although serious, MAC lung disease is not contagious.
MAC lung disease produces various symptoms, and the most common signs associated with this infection include fatigue, night sweats, and coughing, including coughing up blood. Weight loss and breathlessness may also be present too.
Since close contact with these species of bacteria often leads to no illness in healthy individuals, other health problems usually need to be present to make individuals more likely to develop this disease. However, contact with these species of bacteria must still occur to cause this particular illness.
For those with asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and other lung problems, coming into contact with these bacteria is likely to lead to infection and the eventual development of MAC lung disease. Another risk factor of note is age, with those over 65 at more risk than others of developing this condition.
Those who suffer from asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and other lung problems already have irritated, inflamed airways and weakened immune systems, which makes it harder for the body to fight off bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the airways.
Another factor that increases the risk of developing MAC lung disease and complications associated with this condition, such as disseminated MAC disease, which is an infection that spreads throughout the body, is if individuals that get infected have advanced AIDS.
Diagnosis is through symptom checking and a physical examination where the chest can be checked and breathing monitored. A chest X-ray or CT scan can show how the disease is progressing within the lungs and how much of the lung is affected. Lab cultures of a sputum sample can help to confirm the presence of the bacteria behind the disease.
If MAC lung disease is confirmed, then the immune system must be helped to destroy the invading bacteria. This usually involves treatment with a combination of antibiotics that must be administered long-term.
Prevention is difficult because microorganisms cannot be seen, and therefore avoiding close contact is that much harder to achieve. Mask-wearing whilst near potential sources of these bacteria can help prevent inhalation. Wearing gloves whilst in contact with soil can prevent hand-to-mouth contamination, as can good hand hygiene.
Eating healthy and taking supplements to boost nutrients in the body can help those who are vulnerable to developing MAC lung disease fight off the bacteria before it colonises the lungs and produces the various symptoms associated with this infection.