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Plugs vs nodules vs cavitations
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Oct 27 1:48am | Replies (6)Comment receiving replies
ok, at lung.org I find :
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There are two forms of NTM lung disease. The less progressive form is sometimes called
nodular bronchiectasis. The NTM infection causes inflammation of the airways,
which over time causes them to become damaged and scarred.
As the disease progresses, the damaged airways lose their ability to clear mucus normally,
which invites recurring respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.
Nodular bronchiectatic NTM disease is found most often in older women who have
no smoking history.
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The other more progressive form of NTM lung disease is called cavitary disease.
The NTM infection in the lungs causes scarring, fibrosis and the formation of cavities
or pits in the lung tissue. This damage can lead to respiratory failure.
This form is most commonly found in people with a smoking history who also have
existing lung disease such as COPD or bronchiectasis.
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so, this terminology exists in USA , where NTM (non-tuberculous microbacteria)
is so common. It's not really bronchiectasis, which is a widening of the bronchii.
It's more like a classifiction of NTM, which often leads to bronchiectasis.
So, I'm wondering ... is the airway-clearance which is so much being talked
about here, importantant only for NTM or also for "normal" European
bronchiectasis ?
Replies to "ok, at lung.org I find : ----------------- There are two forms of NTM lung disease. The..."
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Let's tackle this question first, "So, I'm wondering ... is the airway-clearance which is so much being talked about here, importantant only for NTM or also for "normal" European
bronchiectasis?"
Airway clearance is important in bronchiectasis to help prevent NTM, pseudomonas, or any of the other infections that like to inhabit compromised lungs. In fact, although it was first practiced mainly in Cystic Fibrosis patients, and more recently in Bronchiectasis patients, pulmonologists are beginning to realize it is effective for people with COPD as well. See this informative Webinar by a world expert in NTM/Bronchiectasis:
Next, let's talk about "so, this terminology exists in USA , where NTM (non-tuberculous microbacteria) is so common. It's not really bronchiectasis, which is a widening of the bronchii. It's more like a classifiction of NTM, which often leads to bronchiectasis."
While it is true that not every person with NTM has Bronchiectasis, most have it or COPD. To be clear, NTM is NOT as USA disease - it exists worldwide. Until recently, and maybe even today, it is underdiagnosed because it is rare - fewer than 1 in 1000 people has it in the US, and it looks like many other lung infections. Here is a report looking at global studies of NTM:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6670190/
Usually people are treated repeatedly with antibiotics for pneumonia or bronchitis, often until a sharp-eyed radiologist sees evidence of NTM or bronchiectasis on an x-ray and the proper tests are done to reach a correct diagnosis. As Europe and Asia "catch up" to the US in recognizing the symptoms and doing lab testing, it is expected their rates will be similar to the USA and Canada.
Finally, it doesn't matter whether the disease is described as nodular NTM, cavitary NTM or Bronchiectasis, we are here to talk about the best way to manage it, to live our best possible lives in spite of it.
Have you been diagnosed with NTM, Bronchiectasis or both? Did you ever find an expert pulmonologist to treat you in Germany or nearby?