Bronchiectasis ,NTM and Azi

[rskr]

Every time before starting Azithromycin, do we need to give the sputum culture to check for NTM.

Some of us are asked to take Azithromycin during winter months. Just wanted to know whether NTM check needs to be done every time before starting Azi. Thank you.

[peege]

I don't know what NTM means however, I've never had sputum tested in the 4 or 5 years I've taken winter Azith.

[rskr in reply to peege]

thanks for your reply peege. NTM is nontuberculous mycobacterial.

[B0xermad]

Hi I take it all year round but have a yearly blood test check

[LissacFrance]

My wife has taken Azitro 3x per week for last 5 years, winter and summer. Only if she starts producing green mucus does she bother with a sputum test. If mucus goes dark green, then it is Amoxicillin for 5 or 7 days. She has just finished 7 days of Amoxicillin, not after a sputum test but her Spiro test showed reduced lung volume and her consultant immediately prescribed Amoxicillin and nebuliser. Have a good day, Chris.

[Ortho10]

I have had NTM and my Consultant will not let me take Prophylactic Azithromycin as the NTM bugs will become immune to it's effects.

But in my case I feel the NTM caused my constant chest infections, hence once treated, I had no need for Azithromycin.

Hope this makes sense!

[Jack70 in reply to Ortho10]

I have NTM what was your treatment? Mine failed and the antibiotics left me destroyed. 2 years of hell for nothing

[Ortho10 in reply to Jack70]

I had the usual 3 types of antibiotics.I didn't have any side effects and I have been clear of NTM so far

Sorry your experience has not been good.

[Karenanne61]

I take azithromycin year round , have never given a sputum sample. But I find it REALLY hard to provide sputum.

[Eccles44]

I have had recurrent chest infections for years and at my consultant visit this week, she mentioned taking Azithromycin. I've done lots of research and as I understand it, this drug is one of the big 3 used to treat NTM'S and being prescribed it without checking for NTM'S first can lead to resistance. I have argued this and she has given me 3 forms and sputum pots to take sample over a 2 week period to check for NTM's first. The tests take 4 -6 weeks. Personally I would ask for this @rskr before taking Azithromycin.

[rskr in reply to Eccles44]

Thanks for your reply Eccles44 . That is exactly my concern. Before starting Azith its better to make sure we are clear of NTM.

[Eccles44 in reply to rskr]

I think so, good luck!

[rskr]

Thank you all for your response. Hope you all keep well. regards.