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What is NTM and how would someone know if they have it?
NTM is short for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria. NTM are naturally occurring environmental bacteria that can cause lung disease. The bacteria are widely found in the environment. More information about NTM can be found in the “What is NTM?” section of this website: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/What-is-NTM.
To determine whether you have an NTM lung infection, your doctor needs to perform specific tests: an acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear and culture of the sputum from your lungs, and a high-resolution CT scan without contrast.
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"NTM" is short for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria. NTM are naturally occurring environmental bacteria that can cause lung disease. The bacteria are widely found in the environment. More information about NTM can be found in the "What is NTM?" section of this website: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/What-is-NTM. To determine whether you have an NTM lung infection, your doctor needs to perform specific tests: an acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear and culture of the sputum from your lungs, and a high-resolution CT scan without contrast.
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