Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
What are the Symptoms of Nontuberculous Mycobacterium Infections?
Symptoms can be similar to other lung infections. Symptoms may develop slowly and include:
- Fever
- Cough (and coughing up blood)
- Weight loss/loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
How are Nontuberculous Mycobacterium Infections Diagnosed?
Your doctor will begin with a complete physical exam and medical history, followed by tests, which might include:
- CT (CAT) scan of your chest (to give a detailed picture of your lungs)
- Lab tests
- Bronchoscopy (to give a view from inside your airways)
How are Nontuberculous Mycobacterium Infections Treated?
Nontuberculous mycobacteria infections are treated with very strong antibiotics. Treatment may last a full year or two. The antibiotics used can cause severe side effects, so doctors carefully monitor patients being treated for nontuberculous mycobacteria infections.
