Patients with NTM infection often experience some or even all of the following:
- Cough – You may or may not cough out sputum. NTM lung disease may cause you to cough up blood (called hemoptysis). If you cough up blood, contact your doctor or seek emergency help immediately. Any time you cough up blood, it is important to remain calm and still to help minimize the amount of blood you cough. Cough is also a symptom of Bronchiectasis (BE).
- Night Sweats, Fever – You may experience some low-grade fever. The sensation of feverishness and sweating is commonly more prominent at night.
- Loss of Weight and Loss of Appetite – It is not uncommon to lose weight, which is why it is important to be aware of weight changes. Please consult with your doctor and/or a nutritionist to determine how to modify and augment your diet so that you get enough calories to maintain your weight at an ideal level that helps your body fight the illness and keep up your strength. Eat, eat, eat. The mycobacteria may compete with your body for calories. This website also has a nutrition guide and printable food diary.
- Lack of Energy – Many patients note a variable but often profound sense of fatigue.
- Feeling short of breath. Ask your doctor if you should have a home oxygen monitor.
- Wheezing.
- Chest pain around the lung area.
