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DiscussionWhat is Non tuberculosis mycobacterium abscesses
Lung Health | Last Active: Aug 17 2:05pm | Replies (13)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "I have just been diagnosed with mycobacterium abscessus complex, slow growing non-infectious TB. Lab is supposed..."
Can you tell us a little about how you came to be diagnosed with a Mycobacteria infection? Do you have other lung issues like Asthma, COPD or Bronchiectasis? Are you being treated by a pulmonologist or infectious disease doctor?
Just by way of a introduction, NTM or Nontubercular Mycobacteria, is a relative of Tuberculosis, but is not TB. NTM has many variants, and each may be susceptible to different antibiotics. This is a RARE type of infection, with less than 150,000 to 300,000 active cases in the entire US, meaning many doctors are not familiar with the latest protocols for treating and managing it.
The Banner Group in Phoenix lists one pulmonologist, Stephanie Lusim, as specializing in treating Bronchiectasis, which often accompanies the NTM infection.
https://doctors.bannerhealth.com/provider/stephanie-iusim/1963779
As for the antibiotics diminishing lung capacity, the infection itself, and any underlying disease are more likely to cause that. The treatment is tough, but it helps prevent further damage.
Please feel free to ask us as many questions as you would like - this is a path that not too many people are familiar with.