Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) Lung Disease | Conditions & Treatments

What are Nontuberculous Mycobacteria?

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are bacteria that can cause lung disease, skin infections, and other illnesses, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems or pre-existing lung conditions.

Unlike mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes tuberculosis, NTM infections are not contagious and do not spread from person to person.

What Are the Symptoms of NTM Lung Disease?

The symptoms of NTM lung disease can vary, but common symptoms include:

Chronic cough
Fatigue
Weight loss
Night sweats
Shortness of breath
Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)

What Causes NTM Lung Disease?

NTM infections occur when these bacteria are inhaled or come into contact with broken skin.

You may be at higher risk of developing NTM Lung Disease if you have:

Chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis
Cystic fibrosis
Previous lung infections
Weakened immune system

UR Medicine's Treatments for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM)

UR Medicine offers specialized treatment for NTM infections with coordinated collaboration of departments across the medical center.

How Is NTM Lung Disease Diagnosed?

To diagnose NTM lung disease, your healthcare provider will do a thorough evaluation, which typically includes:

Pulmonary function test to measure how well your lungs are working.
Chest imaging tests to show the damage to the airways.
Sputum test to collect mucus for microbiology analysis.

How Is NTM Lung Disease Treated?

Treatment for NTM infections can be challenging and often requires a long-term plan. Your provider may suggest:

Antibiotic therapy targeting the specific type of NTM.
Surgery to remove infected tissue.
Supportive care to manage symptoms.

What Sets Us Apart?

UR Medicine is an Associate Care Center as a part of the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network through the COPD Foundation. As an academic medical center, we can offer patients access to cutting-edge research and world-renowned experts in scarring lung diseases.

At UR Medicine, we have a multidisciplinary committee that meets regularly to ensure an appropriate and timely diagnosis for each of our patients. If you need pulmonary rehabilitation, our team also works closely with you to create a customized exercise routine and care plan. This helps you maintain the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation long after you finish the program.