World NTM Day Arrives, the Lung Disease Few Know About
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
World NTM Awareness Day is observed on August 4, highlighting a little-known pulmonary disease affecting thousands in the U.S. Non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (NTM) is caused by environmental bacteria found in soil and water. While most exposed individuals remain healthy, those with chronic lung conditions, weakened immune systems, and older adults, particularly women over 65, are at higher risk. Symptoms can be mistaken for other respiratory issues, complicating diagnosis. Treatment involves antibiotics and respiratory therapies. In 2020, around 220,000 people in the U.S. had NTM, with cases increasing annually by 8.2%. NTM Info and Research aims to raise awareness and support patients, especially within the Hispanic community.
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
