Mycobacterium avium complex, also known as MAC, can cause MAC lung disease. It can enter the body through the nose or mouth by swallowing or breathing. While most people infected by the group of bacteria may not fall sick, some with a compromised immune system are more susceptible to the condition. Further, delay in detecting the disease can make treatment difficult. Therefore, here are some common early signs of MAC lung disease to look out for.

Early signs of MAC lung disease
Typically, MAC lung disease isn’t contagious. However, when an individual contracts the infection, it can affect their breathing. Moreover, most symptoms of MAC lung disease can vary depending greatly on the type of infection contracted by the patient. Hence, here are some of the common early signs of MAC disease.

Cough
MAC lung disease is usually brought on by a group of bacteria or germs found in water, soil, and dust. When these bacteria enter the lungs, they can settle in air sacs or even create a hole in healthy lung tissue. This can lead to prolonged cough and wheezing. Further, the cough can be accompanied by shortness of breath and blood-stained mucus. But most of the time, the sputum can be clear or whitish.

Extreme loss of energy
Most types of MAC infections can cause patients to experience loss of energy. This means one can feel extremely fatigued even with adequate sleep. But in the case of MAC lung disease, there can be irreversible damage to the airways ( bronchiectasis). This can lead to an inability to clear mucus and extreme fatigue, hampering one’s daily activities.

In such cases, one must consult a doctor at the earliest. This can pave the way for certain remedies – lifestyle changes and other treatment alternatives.

Night sweats
Many infections can cause patients to experience night sweats, especially if one has been running a fever. While mild sweating due to heat isn’t a cause to worry, waking up from sleep drenched in sweat can be attributed to underlying health conditions like MAC lung disease.

Hence, it’s considered best to consult a doctor if the night sweats disturb one’s sleep and lead to a change of clothes and bedding.

Chest pain
Most people with MAC lung disease can have unnoticeable symptoms. But for some, especially patients with risk factors like pre-existing lung conditions and weakened immune systems, the symptoms can emerge as chest pain. Usually, this symptom is triggered due to irreversible lung changes and low-grade inflammation caused by the germs settled in the lungs. In such cases, patients may require treatment.

Swollen lymph nodes
The human body has many lymph nodes situated in different parts of the body. These tiny bumps carry white blood cells ( WBC) to the infection-affected parts. So, whenever the body attacks the infection-causing germs, the lymph nodes swell up to aid the process.

In the case of MAC, a swelling may be noticed in the neck lymph nodes( mostly in young children).

Finally, in addition to the above-mentioned early signs of MAC lung disease, one can look out for fever, chills, aching muscles, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.