Living with Pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection
A rare long-term lung infection caused by bacteria related to, but different from, tuberculosis.
Understanding Pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection
It causes ongoing lung disease. Examples of the bacteria include Mycobacterium avium complex and Mycobacterium kansasii. It is more likely in people with existing lung conditions, tumors, weakened immune systems, or chest bone differences. It can occur at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Long-lasting cough
- Mucus or sputum
- Tiredness and weakness
- Widened airways in the lungs (bronchiectasis)
- Chest pain
- Weight loss
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include lung and breathing specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
NTM Info & Research may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Lung and breathing specialists (pulmonologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: NTM Info & Research
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with NTM Info & Research and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium avium complex, M. kansasii, or M. xenopi. GARD says it is more likely with existing lung conditions, tumors, immune suppression, or chest bone differences.
Also known as: atypical mycobacterial infection of lung; non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease; nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease
Patient organizations
- NTM Info & ResearchPulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection · United States
- American Lung AssociationPulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection.
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