Delayed Diagnosis of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria Lung Infections

Delayed Diagnosis of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria Lung InfectionsNon-Tuberculous Mycobacteria, or NTM, infections are a serious health problem. If left untreated, they can cause permanent lung damage or even death. ReaderUSA recently told the story of a woman named Betsy, who developed an NTM infection which was mistakenly diagnosed as bronchitis. Betsy sought additional help after her symptoms did not clear up with treatment, and was diagnosed with NTM.

NTM infections are especially insidious because patients may go years without exhibiting symptoms. By the time they get sick, many doctors may not connect the patient’s current symptoms with the medical event or experience that led the patient to develop the illness in the first place, which means diagnosis can be delayed. According to the article by ReaderUSA:

“There are an estimated 86,000 cases of NTM lung infections in the United States – a number that continues to grow more than eight percent each year. In particular, NTM infections are growing among people over 65 years old, a population that’s expected to nearly double by 2030. Unfortunately, many people who have NTM infection may not even know they have it.”

If you have a persistent cough, shortness of breath and fatigue, it is possible that you have been exposed to Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria, especially if you have undergone some kind of cardio-thoracic surgery in the past few years. You should request a test from your doctor to see if you have been infected with the bacteria, so you can begin a course of treatments as soon as possible.

McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, is currently accepting cases from patients throughout the country who have developed NTM infections as a result of negligence (by a healthcare professional or facility), and because of defective heater-cooler devices. If you or a loved one has developed the illness or sustained an injury, we want to help. Please call 803-327-7800, or fill out our contact form to learn more.