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Living with NTM Lung Disease

Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease is a chronic, progressive condition caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria. NTM lung disease occurs more frequently in older adults and people with other lung diseases, like bronchiectasis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) Lung Disease

Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease is a chronic, progressive condition caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria.1 It is also called:

  • MAC (mycobacterium avium complex, which is actually one species or type of NTM) lung disease or pulmonary MAC2
  • Atypical tuberculosis (Atypical TB)2
  • Environmental tuberculosis2
NTM lung disease occurs more frequently in older adults and people with other lung diseases, like bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Treatment can get rid of NTM infection, however damage to your lung tissue may be permanent.1

References

1. Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). (Last accessed February 23, 2024).

2. What is NTM? Bronchiectasis and NTM 360°. COPD Foundation. (Last accessed January 17, 2024).

3. Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) Infections. CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Last accessed January 17, 2024).

4. Joseph O Falkinham. Environmental Sources of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria. Clinics in Chest Medicine 2014;36(1):35-41.

5. Jyotsna Bhattacharya , et al. Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections in Children. Pediatrics In Review 2019;40(4):179-190. 

6. Nutrition Guide. NTM Info & Research, Inc. (Last accessed January 17, 2024).

7. NTM Lung Disease Treatment. NTM Info & Research, Inc.  - Medications (Last accessed January 17, 2024).

8. NTM Lung Disease Treatment. NTM Info & Research, Inc. - Reducing Exposure (Last accessed January 17, 2024).

9. Joseph O Falkinham. Reducing Human Exposure to Mycobacterium avium. Annals of the American Thoracic Society 2013;10(4):378-382.

10. O'Donnell DE, Parker CM.  COPD exacerbations 3: Pathophysiology. Thorax 2006;61:354-361. 

11. Wolkove N,   et al.    Use of a Mucus Clearance Device Enhances the Bronchodilator Response in Patients With Stable COPD.  CHEST 2002;121(3):702-707.

12. NTM Info & Research, Inc. (Last accessed January 17, 2024). 

13. NTM Info & Research, Inc. (Last accessed February 23, 2024).