National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease


Other Names:
Non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease; Pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection
Categories:
Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease is an infectious condition caused by certain types of mycobacteria. Some people with NTM lung disease have no signs or symptoms, while others experience a severe cough, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, night sweats and/or weightloss. Mycobacteria are found naturally in soil and water. Most people who are exposed to these bacteria do not become sick. However, people who have a weakened immune system or other health conditions (i.e. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, pneumoconiosis, cystic fibrosis, and previous tuberculosis) have an elevated risk of developing NTM lung disease. The condition is generally treated with a combination of antibiotics which is often continued until certain tests have been negative for 12 months. In some cases, surgery may be recommended if lung tissue is damaged.[1][2][2]
Last updated: 11/11/2015

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Organizations Providing General Support

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Learn about Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM). American Lung Association. http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/nontuberculosis-mycobacteria/learn-about-ntm.html. Accessed 11/2/2015.
  2. Johnson MM & Odell JA. Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary infections. J Thorac Dis. March, 2014; 6(3):210–220. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3949190/. Accessed 11/2/2015.
  3. Griffith DE. Diagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections of the lungs in HIV-negative patients. UpToDate. August 20, 2015; http://www.uptodate.com/contents/diagnosis-of-nontuberculous-mycobacterial-infections-of-the-lungs-in-hiv-negative-patients. Accessed 11/2/2015.