Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease is a rare and serious disorder most commonly caused by a group of bacteria in the environment called Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC).1 Patients with NTM lung disease caused by MAC can experience a range of symptoms that often worsen over time, including chronic cough, dyspnea, fatigue, fever, weight loss, and chest pain. In some cases, the disease can cause severe, even permanent damage to the lungs, and can be fatal.
People who have underlying conditions such as bronchiectasis, COPD, and asthma are at greater risk of getting NTM lung disease.2,3,4
Find additional information and resources about NTM lung disease.
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Bronchiectasis
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
References
- Adjemian J, Prevots DR, Gallagher J, Heap K, Gupta R, Griffith D. Lack of adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines for nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2014;11(1):9-16.
- Mirsaeidi M, Hadid W, Ericsoussi B, Rodgers D, Sadikot RT. Non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease is common in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Int J Infect Dis.2013;17(11):e1000-e1004.
- Andréjak C, Nielsen R, Thomsen VØ, Duhaut P, Sørensen HT, Thomsen RW. Chronic respiratory disease, inhaled corticosteroids and risk of non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis. Thorax. 2013;68(3):256-262.
- Fritscher LG, Marras TK, Bradi AC, Fritscher CC, Balter MS, Chapman KR. Nontuberculous mycobacterial infection as a cause of difficult-to-control asthma: a case-control study. Chest. 2011;139(1):23-27.
