It is important to find methods to prevent NTM infection as well as more effective drugs to improve management of NTM
Find out more about what people told us were the challenges of being tested and treated for non-tuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) in the report of our survey findings.
The top three most challenging issues were: feeling tired, cough and exacerbations with other significant issues highlighted as the impact of side effects, anxiety and the negative impact on quality of life.
The most difficult aspects to manage were: long duration of treatment, worries over diagnosis and treatment and, side effects of drugs.
The top 3 issues survey respondents rated as those most needing attention to improve the management of NTM were: finding methods to prevent NTM infection, finding drugs that have fewer side-effects and drugs that are more effective in treating NTM-PD. Additional important points raised included the concern over lack of knowledge, the need for faster diagnosis, access to NTM-PD specialists and more research into prevention.
This survey was part of the scope of work led by EMBARC (European Multicentre Bronchiectasis Audit and Research Collaboration) developed in collaboration with the European Lung Foundation (ELF) and their bronchiectasis patient advisory group and was made available online in 12 languages.
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