How to know if MAC treatment is working for my father at 72?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

MAC (Mycobacterium avium complex) lung disease is treatable, and it is normal to worry about a long course of antibiotics. The usual plan is triple antibiotic therapy, as your doctor suggested. Depending upon the type and extent of disease on CT (computed tomography), it is given either thrice weekly or every day, for a total duration of about 12 months after sputum cultures first turn negative, so the overall course often runs 12 to 18 months in total.

Before starting, we do some tests. That includes:

1. Liver tests.

2. Kidney function.

3. Complete blood count.

4. ECG (electrocardiogram).

5. CT scan.

Doctors will see him about once a month, early on. At each visit, we review symptoms, check weight on a scale, and ask specifically about side effects like:

1. Orange urine.

2. Itching.

3. Visual blur.

4. Stomach upset.

5. Palpitations.

Your father has to repeat liver tests a few weeks after starting and then every one to three months.

Sputum cultures are the scorecard. He should try to provide sputum monthly. Treatment is effective when symptoms begin to ease, weight stabilizes or rises, and cultures convert to negative, ideally by about two to six months. We count the clock from the first negative culture and continue therapy for 12 more months to lower the relapse risk.

A chest X-ray every three to six months is reasonable, along with a repeat CT is usually done around six to twelve months. Pulmonary function tests can help track breathlessness, but are not required on every visit.

Also, airway clearance once or twice a day (you would have to get in touch with a respiratory physiotherapist for this) helps move mucus. Good calories and protein prevent further weight loss; a dietitian can help.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.