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All you need to know: Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections

About

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria are tiny germs which can be found in soil, water, and on animals. These germs are mostly harmless, but when it gets into the body, it can cause lung disease.

It is a rare disease. In a whole year, only about 2 out of every 100,000 people in the U.S. get it. [1]

- Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) infections are not contagious
- Medical diagnosis required
- Bronchoscopy may be required in certain cases
- Imaging such as X-ray and CT scan required

People can get it if they drink water, eat food, breathe in air or mist that has bacteria in it. Bacteria do not easily affect people. Some people who become infected have an unknown defect in their lung structure or their immune system.

Symptoms

- Cough sometimes with blood
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Large amount of mucus
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Night sweats
- Loss of energy

Treatment

Self-care:
- Eat healthy food
- Get some aerobic exercise
- Keep weight in check
- Try physical therapy

Medication:
The doctor may prescribe antibiotics as most Nontuberculous Mycobacteria are naturally resistant to them.

Specialists:
Specialists might recommend surgery if antibiotics dont help in clearing the symptoms. At mfine, we always make sure to give you the best treatment which will help in giving you a better and healthy body.