Leading Lung Health Organizations Recognize Second Annual World NTM Awareness Day
MIAMI (August 2, 2024) - Bronchiectasis and NTM 360, a division of the COPD Foundation, joins other global patient advocacy organizations, professional societies and lung health experts for the second annual World NTM Awareness Day on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are naturally occurring bacteria in the environment, commonly found in soil and natural and treated water. While NTM can affect anyone's lungs, those with suppressed immune systems or other pulmonary diseases are particularly vulnerable. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are 16 times more likely to develop NTM lung disease.
NTM lung disease causes a person's airways to produce or retain extra mucus and, over time, can widen and scar the airways. Symptoms can include cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight loss. It is estimated that more than 200,000 people in the United States have NTM lung disease, with the number of new cases increasing 8% annually.
World NTM Awareness Day, established by NTM Info & Research, seeks to increase access to patient resources, education and early detection of NTM lung disease. Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 offers various educational materials for both health care providers and people living with NTM lung disease, their families and caregivers, including an NTM info sheet, educational videos with lung disease experts, an NTM Management Tool, and an online support community.
In recognition of World NTM Awareness Day, Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 has released a new podcast episode discussing who is at risk of developing NTM lung disease, summer care, and high-risk activities with Tim Aksamit, M.D., medical director of Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 and a pulmonology and critical care medicine physician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
For more information about World NTM Awareness Day, visit WorldNTMDay.org. For more information about NTM lung disease, bronchiectasis and the COPD Foundation, visit BronchiectasisandNTM360.org.
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About the COPD Foundation
The COPD Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help millions of people live longer and healthier lives by advancing research, advocacy, and awareness to stop COPD, bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease. The Foundation does this through scientific research, education, advocacy and awareness to prevent disease, slow progression and find a cure. For more information, visit copdfoundation.org, or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Contact:
Brittany Irish
805-465-2497
mediarelations@copdfoundation.org