How NTM Affects the Body

NTM, or nontuberculous mycobacteria, are a group of bacteria that can cause a variety of illnesses in humans. The most common type of NTM infection is pulmonary NTM, which affects the lungs. NTM can also affect other parts of the body, including the skin, lymph nodes, and bones.

NTM infections are often difficult to diagnose and treat. The symptoms of NTM infection can vary depending on the type of infection and the part of the body that is affected. Some of the most common symptoms of NTM infection include:

* Cough

* Shortness of breath

* Chest pain

* Fatigue

* Weight loss

* Fever

* Night sweats

* Skin lesions

* Swollen lymph nodes

* Bone pain

NTM infections can be serious, but they are not usually life-threatening. The goal of treatment for NTM infection is to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and other medications. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

Here is a more detailed look at how NTM can affect different parts of the body:

* Lungs: NTM can cause a variety of lung infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and bronchiectasis. NTM lung infections can be difficult to diagnose because they can mimic other lung diseases, such as tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

* Skin: NTM can cause a variety of skin infections, including cellulitis, abscesses, and granulomas. NTM skin infections are often misdiagnosed as other skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.

* Lymph nodes: NTM can cause inflammation of the lymph nodes, a condition called lymphadenitis. NTM lymphadenitis can be caused by infection with NTM that are present in the environment or by the spread of NTM from another part of the body.

* Bones: NTM can cause a variety of bone infections, including osteomyelitis and septic arthritis. NTM bone infections are often difficult to diagnose because they can mimic other bone diseases, such as cancer and arthritis.

NTM infections can be serious, but they are not usually life-threatening. The goal of treatment for NTM infection is to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and other medications. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.