Common Types of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

MAC or mycobacterium avium complex, M. kansasii, m. abscessus, m. chelonae, m. intracellulare, m. fortuitum. (M. is used as an abbreviation for mycobacterium)

acapella®

A mucus clearance device that works by vibration of airways to loosen mucus. It also increases endobronchial pressure. This device is from Smiths Medical.

AFB Culture

Mycobacteria like NTMs are in a group called acid fast bacili (AFB). One of the ways NTM must be diagnosed is through a culture of your sputum. The first culture will be an AFB, to determine if your sputum contains mycobacteria of any type. Further testing is required to determine if it is NTM, and further testing beyond that is required to determine what type of NTM is in your sputum. Some labs are not sophisticated enough to differentiate between NTMs and TB. Therefore even your initial AFBs must always be done at a highly qualified lab.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

A genetic disorder caused by defective production of a protein called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, causing decreased activity of the protein in the lungs, and a build up of the protein in the liver. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency can cause serious lung and/or liver damage. Some NTM patients are diagnosed with Alpha-1, and some Alpha-1 patients develop and NTM lung infection.

Aspergillus

A germ that can cause a fungal infection in the lungs.

Biofilm

A biofilm is a population of microorganisms (such as bacteria) in which cells stick to each other on a surface. These clumped cells are frequently embedded within a self-produced matrix of biofilm extracellular polymeric substance (either polysaccharide, abbreviated EPS or, in the case of nontuberculous mycobacteria, lipid) which is also referred to as slime. Biofilms may form on living (e.g. lung tissue) or non-living surfaces (e.g. household pipes) and are prevalent in natural, residential, industrial and hospital settings, and are almost always found inside water pipes.

Bronchiectasis (bron-kee-ek'-tas-is)

A condition that results from damage to the airways of the lungs. NTM infection causes your airways (called bronchial tubes) to fill with mucus and over time, may lead to dilation (widening) and scarring of the bronchial tubes. Changes like this that damage muscle or elastic tissue of the bronchial tubes is called bronchiectasis. This bronchiectasis may result in the formation of pouches in the bronchial tubes that can trap mucus. If you are unable to clear the mucus normally because it is trapped in the pouches, the mucus stays in the pouches and this can cause an infection.

Bronchoscopy

A flexible tube is passed through the mouth or nose and then down into the lungs in order to view the airways and collect samples from the lungs. Your doctor may use this procedure to collect sputum samples if you are unable to cough up sputum.

Chest P.T.

A type of respiratory physical therapy in which the patient receives percussive therapy with cupped hand clapping or with a vibrator to loosen and mobilize secretions thereby facilitating mucus clearance. This is often performed in conjunction with postural drainage.

Comorbidity

Comorbidity is either the presence of one or more disorders (or diseases) in addition to a primary disease or disorder, or the effect of such additional disorders or diseases on a patient.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

A generalized designation for diseases involving persistent airway obstruction such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis.

Cystic Fibrosis

An inherited (genetic) chronic lung disease affecting the lungs and digestive system. It is believed that a defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and may lead to lifethreatening lung infections, and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food. There is significant overlap between CF and NTM patients. Although usually diagnosed in early childhood, some NTM patients now are being diagnosed with a form of CF as adults.

Emphysema

A chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in which the alveoli or small airways of the lungs are damaged, which makes breathing more difficult. Emphysema is usually caused by smoking.

Flutter Valve®

A mucus clearance device that works by vibration of airways to loosen mucus. It also increases endobronchial pressure. This device is from Axcan Scandipharm.

Gram-Negative Infection

Gram-negative bacteria are a group of germs that can cause respiratory infections. Some NTM patients also get gram-negative lung infections such as pseudomonas.

Hemoptysis

Coughing up blood.

Nebulizer

A device used to administer medication to people in the form of a mist inhaled into the lungs. Be careful to clean the nebulizer carefully to prevent bacteria from being re-inhaled.

Opportunistic Infection

An infection caused by pathogens that usually do not cause disease in a host that is not compromised in some way. Perhaps due to bronchiectasis and other factors, some NTM patients later acquire opportunistic infections like aspergillus, pseudomonas, and pneumonia.

PCD (primary ciliary dyskinesia)

PCD (primary ciliary dyskinesia) is an inherited disorder of motile (moving) cilia. PCD is also sometimes referred to as Kartagener syndrome (PCD with situs inversus) or immotile cilia syndrome. Motile cilia are required to keep the lungs, sinuses and ears free of organisms and debris that can cause infection and disease. A person with PCD experiences chronic, recurrent infections in the lungs, ears and sinuses due to the loss of ciliary activity in those areas.

PEP Valve

The Pari Pep™ device is an expiratory resistance device that helps patients inflate their lungs. The Much Longer resistance improves mucus (secretion) clearance. The Pari Pep™ device has adjustable resistance settings.

PICC

Peripherally inserted central catheter access line for infusion of intravenous (IV) medicines. Usually inserted in an arm.

Port

An access line inserted into a vein for the infusion of intravenous (IV) medicines.

Postural Drainage

Positioning a patient so that gravity helps clear secretions. The patient is positioned or tilted at an angle usually with head and lungs downward. Chest P.T. may also be done at the same time.

Pseudomonas

A gram-negative lung infection that some NTM patients experience.

Pulse Oximeter

A medical device that measures the amount of oxygen in your blood. It is put around your finger.

Sputum/Mucus/Phlegm

Thick secretions found in lungs, airways and sinuses that your body produces to help remove dust, bacteria and other small particles.

Tinnitus

Ringing in the ears, which may be caused by taking certain antibiotics (including ethambutol, Amikacin™, clarithromycin/Biaxin™, and azithromycin/Zithromax™). Tinnitus may also sound like high-pitched whining, buzzing, wooshing, or roaring.