Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease is an infection caused by a type of bacteria that are common in the environment. Everyone comes into contact with NTM bacteria during their daily lives, but not everyone is at risk of getting NTM lung disease. Most people do not become infected because their lungs are healthy and can clear NTM bacteria. But people with a history of lung conditions, like bronchiectasis, COPD, or asthma are more likely to develop an NTM infection.

An NTM infection can make people sick and cause permanent lung damage. The symptoms of NTM lung disease, like coughing, fatigue, and shortness of breath, are similar to other lung conditions. So similar, that NTM is sometimes misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. Many people experience the symptoms of NTM, but may think it’s due to a lung condition they already have.

AboutNTM.com is a source of information and resources for people who may have questions about the disease and for those who have been diagnosed.