HEALTH AND WELLNESS
WHEN THAT NAGGING COUCH
IS ACTUALLY SOMETHING MORE
Article from BPT Website
(BPT) - Working mom Betsy had a fulfilling career and a loving family. The only thing standing in the way of her ability to fully enjoy her life was a persistent cough that just wouldn't stop. Eventually, instead of doing the things she enjoyed, like spending time with her twin boys or going to dinner with friends, her life became something else entirely. That nagging cough - over and over again - coupled with difficulty breathing and fatigue made her feel weaker and weaker.
Betsy had a history of spontaneous lung collapses and a cough that would come and go, but her symptoms gradually became worse and began to impact her life. After a visit to her doctor, Betsy was diagnosed with bronchitis and given remedies to soothe her coughing. When weeks passed and she saw no improvement to her health, she knew she had to find answers.
"I tried to read my boys books at night and it was a real struggle just to get through the book without coughing... Not knowing what was happening to me, nobody being able to give me any answers, it was really scary."
As Betsy's coughing and fatigue became progressively worse, her doctor ordered a CAT scan and a sputum culture.
The results of these tests provided an answer for Betsy and her doctor - she had a chronic and progressive lung condition called nontuberculous mycobacteria, or NTM.
About NTM
NTM lung disease is an infection caused by bacteria that is inhaled through the nose and mouth. NTM bacteria can be found in a variety of environments, from tap water to soil in parks and gardens. In fact, one study across 25 states showed that NTM bacteria was found in nearly eight out of ten water samples. Everyone comes into contact with NTM bacteria during their daily lives, but not everyone is at risk of getting NTM. Most people do not become infected because their lungs are healthy enough to get rid of NTM bacteria.