Key points Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are bacteria found in soil, dust and water. Although anyone can get an NTM infection, some groups are at increased risk. Treatment varies and typically requires seeing a specialist.
We all breathe in NTM, but most people don’t get sick from them. NTM lung disease is more common in people with long-term lung conditions, like bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) represent over 190 species and subspecies, some of which can produce disease in humans of all ages and can affect both pulmonary and extrapulmonary sites.
NTM lung disease is caused by breathing in air or mist that has the bacteria in it. The bacteria get into your lung tissue and cause an infection. Your airways become inflamed. More than 120...
hat is Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) Lung Disease? NTM ar. bacteria that are normally present in the environment. Inhalation of these bacteria may cause disease in both hea. thy patients and those with compromised immune systems. NTM disease most often afects the lungs in adults (NTM lung disea.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria are naturally occurring environmental pathogens which impact tens of thousands of people every year in the United States alone. NTM lung infection can cause or worsen significant respiratory damage, such as bronchiectasis.
NTM Info & Research | Support for NTM Lung Disease & Bronchiectasis
Because NTM can be challenging to get rid of, you should consider finding a pulmonologist or infectious disease specialist with experience treating people with NTM lung disease.