In the United States, the American people are not immune to chronic illnesses, coughing, diseases, and various types of sickness. We develop the common cold, flus, bronchitis, and illnesses that spread from person to person. Eventually, we treat these sicknesses, and we slowly return to our healthy selves. However, some of us do not overcome our sicknesses. Some of us have persistent illnesses, or what are known as chronic illnesses. Some of these chronic illnesses include, but are not limited to, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, COPD, and cancer. If you’re suffering from illnesses, more specifically those that involve the lungs, here is how antibiotics helps you become a healthier version of yourself.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria
Since sicknesses such as the common cold, the flu, and bronchitis occurring continuously during the winter months, we typically treat them quickly. You can visit your primary doctor or an urgent care facility to help you receive medication that increases the progression of your healing time. Taking over the counter medications is enough to stop your frustrating and sometimes debilitating symptoms. Because of this, it is understandable that we do not need to discuss these illnesses or all the illnesses you can develop in your lifetime. The common ones are, well, common, and therefore, not as threatening. One illnesses we should discuss is the one caused by Nontuberculous mycobacteria. You are mostly likely thinking, “What is ntm?” Nontuberculous mycobacteria or ntm for short is, by definition, a species of bacteria that can cause illnesses which resemble tuberculosis as well as various lung diseases. In fact, there are around 180 species of this exact bacteria around the world. Additionally, there are approixmately 180,000 American people with NTM lung disease throughout the United States. These cases continue to increase steadily in people who are 65 years and older. This disease is understandably now something to look out for in older generations.
Symptoms Of NTM
As previously mentioned, NTM is a form of lung disease that mirrors TB. Thus, the symptoms involve the lungs in terms of shortness of breath when engaging in physical activity, such as running, walking, and doing daily tasks. Another symptom of NTM is coughing up blood, or what is more formally known as hemoptysis. This symptom is the one that mirrors TB. Lastly, those with NTM can experience fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, night sweats, and fever. It is important to note that NTM can become worse if not treated. This disease can lead to permanent lung damage.
How Can Someone Contract NTM
Many individuals do not know this, but Nontuberculous mycobacteria is a bacteria that can be found throughout any environment. Yes, it’s common. These species of bacteria thrive in water particles as well as soil particles, and they are spread throughout the air. This makes it impossible for individuals to not breathe in Nontuberculous mycobacteria. Therefore, everyone has come into contact with Nontuberculous mycobacteria daily. But, this doesn’t mean everyone will get ill from this form of bacteria. You have to be at risk for it. Those at risk are individuals that already have a lung condition. This could be bronchiectasis, COPD, and asthma.
How Antibiotics Help
Antibiotics is the known treatment for NTM. Although Nontuberculous mycobacteria is resistant to traditional antibiotics, it responds well to the treatments used with TB patients. Depending on the strain of species, some individuals that have contracted NTM will have to take many various antibiotics all at the same time. Typically, your doctor will place you on three different antibiotics to help treat your NTM. Additionally, it is important to note that these antibiotics can cause side effects, and so your doctor will have to monitor you closely. The duration of treatment with these antibiotics varies from person to person. Some individuals may have to get treatment for up to two years. It all depends on how severe your case is. However, regardless of the case, antibiotics will have you feeling like a healthier version of yourself in no time.
