With Annual NTM Case Rates Rising, Patients and Providers Are Urged to Recognize the Symptoms and Risks
MIAMI, Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the world prepares to observe World NTM Day on August 4, 2025, NTM Info & Research (NTMir) is calling on patients, physicians, caregivers, and policy leaders to shine a spotlight on nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease, a growing but underrecognized threat to global respiratory health.
The Hidden Lung Infection Impacting Millions: World NTM Day Puts Spotlight on Awareness
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Pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and bronchiectasis are linked together. NTM lung infection can cause or worsen significant respiratory damage, such as bronchiectasis.
Chest CT scans show if there are any abnormalities affecting the lungs. Dr. Elisa Ignatius from Johns Hopkins Medicine recently spoke about the comorbidities in NTM and bronchiectasis before patients and caregivers at the 2025 NTM and Bronchiectasis Patient Conference held in California.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria are everywhere in the environment, including water (both natural sources and treated tap water) and soil. Dr. Jennifer Honda from the University of Texas Health and Science Center at Tyler recently spoke about how environmental exposure plays a significant role in the recurrence and management of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections during the 2025 NTM and Bronchiectasis Patient Conference hosted by NTM Info & Research in California.
The Hidden Lung Infection Impacting Millions: World NTM Day Puts Spotlight on Awareness
NTM lung disease is caused by environmental bacteria found in water and soil. While many are exposed, people with underlying lung conditions—particularly bronchiectasis—are at higher risk of infection. Alarmingly, new data show that NTM cases are rising by more than 8.2% annually, particularly among women over age 65 and individuals with chronic lung disease. The economic burden per patient can exceed $30,000 per year, underscoring the cost of delayed diagnosis and limited treatment options.
"NTM lung disease is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed conditions we see today," said Amy Leitman, JD, President of NTMir. "It doesn't just threaten lives—it disrupts them. But the earlier we recognize the symptoms, the better our chances of preventing severe lung damage and improving patient outcomes."
Most people diagnosed with NTM also have bronchiectasis, a condition that causes permanent damage to the airways. When combined, the diseases can lead to a vicious cycle of recurring infections, declining lung function, and years of missed opportunities for proper care.
"We want to empower people to listen to their lungs," said Leitman. "If someone is experiencing persistent coughing, fatigue, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss—don't wait. Ask your doctor if NTM could be the cause."
World NTM Day: Raising Voices, Inspiring Action
This year's theme, "Recognize. Respond. Rise Together," emphasizes the critical need for:
Early diagnosis through improved screening protocols
Patient education and community engagement
Investment in research and innovation to support more effective and accessible treatments
To that end, NTMir continues to lead efforts to:
Deliver comprehensive educational resources on diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing clinical research
Support a global network of patients and caregivers through online communities and local support groups
Advocate for increased research funding and policy change to address the unmet needs of the NTM community
Visit www.WorldNTMDay.org for patient stories, educational tools, clinical trial information, and ways to take action.
How You Can Help:
Learn the symptoms and risk factors by visiting WorldNTMDay.org
Share social media posts, videos, and infographics using #WorldNTMDay2025
Encourage your healthcare providers to consider NTM in patients with unexplained respiratory symptoms
Together, we can improve outcomes, expand awareness, and give a stronger voice to those living with NTM lung disease.
About NTM Info & Research (NTMir): NTM Info & Research (NTMir) is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed on behalf of patients with pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease for patient support, medical education and research. The organization serves patients, healthcare providers and researchers dealing with bronchiectasis and NTM. It advocates a broad agenda to promote early diagnosis, improved treatments, and research. The mission is to bring a voice to the concerns of all our constituents with government officials and agencies that guide, research, and regulate therapies developed to treat these diseases. NTM Info & Research recognizes the need for advancement in education and treatment of bronchiectasis.
About World NTM Day 2025:
World NTM Day, observed annually on August 4, is a global awareness initiative led by NTM Info & Research (NTMir) to spotlight the rising impact of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease—a serious and often misunderstood condition that affects tens of thousands each year.
The 2025 theme, "Recognize. Respond. Rise Together," underscores the urgent need to increase awareness, improve early detection, and empower patients and providers with knowledge. As NTM cases continue to climb and too many remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, World NTM Day calls on the global community to take action—by learning the signs, supporting those affected, and advancing research that brings hope for better outcomes.
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