What is NTM Lung Disease?
NTM lung disease is a rare condition that occurs when you inhale common environmental bacteria. NTM can cause health problems even if you don’t have a known pre-existing condition, but it’s more likely to affect you if you have an underlying lung problem or a weak immune system.
Our goal is to help you:
- Determine if you might be suffering from NTM.
- Provide a guide to expert resources so you can take back your life.
What causes NTM?
Nontuberculous mycobacteria are present all around us. This group of bacteria is found worldwide in soil, water, and dust. From showering and washing dishes to gardening and walking in the park, you can come in contact with NTM during your daily activities.
We all inhale NTM, and for most people, the organisms do no harm. They are cleared from the lungs by the body’s natural defense system before they can cause problems. However, in a small number of vulnerable individuals, especially those with weakened immune systems or underlying diseases such as asthma, COPD, or bronchiectasis, NTM establishes itself in the lungs as an infection. This infection can cause inflammation and lung scarring that worsens over time. The damaged airways lose their ability to clear mucus normally, which invites recurring respiratory infections.
Is NTM the same as tuberculosis (TB)?
While Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) and nontuberculous mycobacteria both cause chronic lung infections, they are not the same. Only M. tuberculosis causes TB, which can spread to others by inhaling organisms in the air.
Unlike the specific strain that causes TB, there are many types of NTM lung disease, including:
- Mycobacterium avium complex [my-co-bak-tear-ee-um avi-um com-plex] (MAC)
- M abscessus [ab-sess-ess]
- M kansasii [can-zays-ee-eye]
Although there are nearly 200 species of NTM, the most common — which accounts for 80% of all NTM lung disease cases in the United States — is MAC. While not everyone is at risk of contracting NTM from MAC, for those who are, it can cause serious lung damage.
10 Questions to ask your specialist.
