On August 4, NTM Info & Research (NTMir) marked the fourth annual World NTM Day with the 2026 campaign, “Behind Every Breath Is a Story.” This year’s initiative puts the experiences of patients and caregivers at the center of the conversation, combining personal stories, expert perspectives, and data to increase understanding of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease.
NTM lung disease remains underrecognized, and for many patients, the path to an accurate diagnosis can be long and frustrating. Symptoms such as persistent cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, recurring respiratory infections, and unexplained weight loss may resemble other respiratory conditions. Through World NTM Day, NTMir is working to encourage earlier conversations with healthcare providers while helping patients and families connect with trusted educational resources and support.
The campaign also highlights the growing impact of NTM lung disease. World NTM Day resources cite an estimated 220,000 NTM cases in the United States in 2020, with the number of cases increasing by an estimated 8.2% annually. But behind those statistics are individuals navigating symptoms, treatment decisions, daily disease management, and the search for answers and community.
At the heart of “Behind Every Breath Is a Story” is a simple message: awareness becomes more powerful when patients are seen and heard. By amplifying these stories, NTMir hopes to build greater understanding of NTM lung disease, encourage earlier recognition, and remind patients and caregivers that they are not alone.
Read the full World NTM Day 2026 feature on PR Newswire:
Behind Every Breath Is a Story: World NTM Day 2026 Spotlights the Patients Behind an Underrecognized Lung Disease