HEALTH AND WELLNESS
double by 2030. Unfortunately, many people who have NTM infection may not even know they have it.
Talk to your Doctor about NTM
Because NTM is a chronic and progressive disease, it is important to make a definitive diagnosis as soon as possible. Delayed diagnosis can lead to delayed treatment, which may lead to a worsening of symptoms and existing respiratory conditions. As the condition gets worse over time, NTM can result in severe and permanent lung damage.
If you think you could have NTM, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider about your symptoms. Visit AboutNTM.com for information about NTM and talk to your doctor to see if getting tested for NTM might be right for you.
However, people who have conditions such as bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are at greater risk of NTM infection. That's because damage caused by lung conditions makes them more vulnerable to infection. People with NTM infection tend to be middle-aged and have existing respiratory conditions.
With signs and symptoms similar to those of other respiratory conditions, like cough, fatigue and shortness of breath, NTM is sometimes misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. Diagnosis can be delayed because people assume their symptoms are associated with a lung condition they already know they have.
Prevalence of NTM
There are an estimated 86,000 cases of NTM lung infections in the United States - a number that continues to grow more than eight percent each year. In particular, NTM infections are growing among people over 65 years old, a population that's expected to nearly
"Diagnosis can be delayed because people assume their symptoms are associated with
a lung condition
they already know
they have."