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Fatigue with NTM
This is just a random comment but something I thought worth sharing at group level: I keep reading comments by those in this group (and similar groups) about being “asymptomatic” but with fatigue, sometimes extreme fatigue. I was listening to an NTM discussion recently and the doctors made the comment that fatigue is one of the most frequent systemic symptoms (along with weight loss), and the systemic symptoms are the ones most reflective of the degree of infection, more so than say coughing. I thought this was an extremely interesting comment given the way so many patients view being “symptomatic”. I think part of it is lung disease is generally associated with coughing, breathing challenges, etc. And fatigue can be a little nebulous, certainly for any woman post-menopause. But certainly for those evaluating whether/when to treat NTM, I think it is important to recognize the significance of the systemic symptoms and not think that because one doesn’t have a cough or SOB that one is “asymptomatic”, particularly where one is experiencing fatigue, and certainly where one is experiencing extreme fatigue. Hopefully people’s doctors are flushing this out with them, but I see the comment being made by fellow patients so frequently I thought it deserved a shout-out.
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Thanks for this. It is my experience that cough & sputum changes are looked at most. I find it interesting that severe fatigue may be an independent issue to determine condition state.
I’m wondering if anyone associates the fatigue with a particular unresolved infection? MAC &. Pseudomonas are not resolved for me & I seem to just steadily be getting worse despite mild bronchiectasis. If anyone experiences this, I’d appreciate your input greatly. I’m so used to feeling poorly then getting better. This condition has thrown me off in a big way. Thanks!
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6 ReactionsUnfortunately, fatigue is a part of BE. Best we can do is get a good night's sleep, try to keep active as much as possible, eat healthy and rest during the day.
Stay positive and enjoy life!!
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6 ReactionsI just experienced a bronchiectasis NTM flare. Although, I am not coughing up blood now, I have extreme fatigue. Jessed
I just noticed that I posted to a discussion group from March 2025. Maybe, someone will post who had similar symptoms more recently. Best, Jessed
@jessed I have fatigue a lot, and usually an elevated temp along with it when I have it. Not a clinical fever, but a fever of sorts for me, as in 99.6. It can be depressing, but it seems to come and go without a lot of rhyme or reason. I hope you are feeling less fatigued now.
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1 Reaction@jessed I have had extreme fatigue and the elevated temp you describe. I now think it was the MAI infection that was causing it. But my fatigue is better since being on the Brinsupri and MAI drugs.
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3 Reactions@jessed I had severe fatigue before being diagnosed with MAC and mild bronchiectasis . It got much better once I started the antibiotics but lately it is back with a vengeance.
@mjb24 Mary, I’m sorry that it’s back. I try to do all the right things to lessen the fatigue like consistently doing my airway clearance etc. somedays, I have to take a nap. Best, Jessed
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2 Reactions@loyse, yes, mine also comes and goes. It’s lower now and not as deep but today I took a nap. I experienced the same low-temp when I had flate a month ago. I’m more accepting though and vigilent about air way clearance etc. Best, jessed
@ursala7 I’m glad you feel better. I had gone 8 years wo a flare (hemoptysis). My pulmonologist asked that I talk w him about starting g Brinsupri if happens again soon. Best, Jessed
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