Mycobacterial lung disease

Mycobacterial lung disease is an infection caused by a group of bacteria known as mycobacteria. Certain types of this bacteria can cause nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease, which is inhaled from soil, water, and dust. Other mycobacteria can cause tuberculosis (TB), which can be spread through droplets released when people with the disease speak or cough. In both lung disorders, a weakened immune system can put you at risk of infection.

It’s important to see a doctor who specializes in lung diseases and who can accurately diagnose and treat mycobacterial lung disease. Penn Medicine’s chronic lung disorders experts, including our specialists at the Mycobacterial Infection Clinic, use advanced diagnostic tests and prescribe treatments that can clear the infection from your lungs and help you make a full recovery.

NTM lung disease has two forms. Nodular bronchiectasis causes inflammation in your airways, which can lead to damage and scarring. This makes it hard for mucus to move out of your airways and can cause respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. The other form is cavitary disease, which causes scarring and cavities or pits in lung tissue. Over time, cavitary disease can lead to respiratory failure.

TB also has two types, depending on whether your body can fight off the infection. If you have active TB, the bacteria that cause the disease are growing in your body, you have symptoms, and you can spread the disease to other people. If you have inactive TB, you’ve been exposed to the bacteria, but you didn’t get sick and you can’t spread the disease.

Although you can’t avoid nontuberculous mycobacteria, there are things you can do to lower your risk of getting infected if you have a weakened immune system. Use a ventilation fan in your bathroom and kitchen and avoid inhaling steam from spas and hot tubs. When you’re working outside, wear a mask, try not to stir up dirt and dust, and wet potting soil to reduce dust in the air. Getting vaccinations like the flu shot can also help. To prevent tuberculosis, avoid close contact with people who have an active infection.

Mycobacterial lung disease can be challenging to diagnose and treat, especially if you already have a lung disorder like COPD. As a leading provider of lung care in the southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey regions, Penn Pulmonology’s specialists have the expertise to rule out other causes of your symptoms and recommend the most effective treatments. We also have highly skilled lung surgeons if surgery is needed. With deep experience treating lung diseases, our specialists can put you on a path to recovery.

You benefit from a personalized treatment plan and the expertise of providers with a variety of expertise, including specialists in pulmonary diagnostic testing and pulmonary rehabilitation. We also provide education and offer support through counseling services. Our highly skilled lung surgeons can perform surgery, if needed. With deep experience treating lung diseases, our specialists can put you on a path to recovery.