Non-tuberculosis Mycobacteria (NTM) symptoms include persistent cough with mucus, shortness of breath, tiredness, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, and coughing up blood. NTM lung disease is difficult to diagnose. Many people have it but do not know it. It can take years to be diagnosed because the symptoms are similar to other lung conditions, like COPD. The likelihood of developing NTM is 16 times higher for individuals with COPD¹. NTM are germs found in water and soil all over the world¹. Sometimes, they can make a home in your lungs, causing symptoms to be mild to severe. We can be exposed to these germs daily through gardening, showering, and hot tubs². Some people are infected, and some are not.

If you are at risk or have ongoing symptoms talk with your health care provider about a sputum (mucus) test. A sputum test is used to identify bacteria, fungi, and other germs³. NTM management and treatment can be hard. You may need to visit your health care provider more often. You may also need to take antibiotics (medications that fight the infection). People with NTM lung disease often cough up a lot of mucus. There are things that can help you, like airway clearance devices. These are tools used to help move mucus up and out of the lungs)². Learn about coping with mucus, airway clearance techniques, and access the NTM lung Disease Management tool at Bronchiectasis and NTM 360. The Disease Management Tool tracks symptoms, explains common treatment options, and can help you understand when to seek further help from your health care provider.

To help spread awareness, Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 celebrated World NTM Day on August 4. World NTM Day focuses on education, early detection, and research. Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 released a new podcast channel to help support those affected by bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease. Here, you will learn where NTM can hide and what you can do to avoid infection. Visit any major podcast platform to listen to Facing the Summer Heat with NTM Lung Disease with Dr. Aksamit. Speaking with Dr. Aksamit was such a treat as he is a leader in bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease and provides valuable education, treatment, and research all around the world. Follow the podcast as we connect with leading health experts, advocates, and from those affected by this lung disease. For more information visit bronchiectasis and NTM 360.

Do you think you could have NTM or do you know someone who does? Share your story and connect with others on our social media platform.

• Who is at risk for NTM lung disease? AboutNTM. Accessed July 26, 2024. https://www.aboutntm.com/who-is-at-risk/#:~:text=NTM%20lung%20disease.-,COPD,to%20get%20NTM%20lung%20disease.
• Association AL. Diagnosing and treating NTM pulmonary disease. Diagnosing and Treating NTM Pulmonary Disease | American Lung Association. Accessed July 26, 2024. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/nontuberculous-mycobacteria/diagnosing-and-treating-ntm.
• 1. Sputum culture: Medlineplus medical test. MedlinePlus. Accessed July 31, 2024. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/sputum-culture/.