Donate
Call the Lung HelpLine
Ask a Question
The following text field filters the results that follow as you type. Use Tab to access the results.
  1. Home
  2. Lung Health & Diseases
  3. Lung Disease Lookup
  4. NTM Lung Disease
  5. Tips for Living with NTM Lung Disease

Tips for Living with NTM Lung Disease

iframe video

Diagnosing NTM Lung Disease

Watch Video

Learn what you can expect when living with NTM lung disease, get tips on talking to your health care provider about your treatment options, using a treatment tracker, coping with emotions, and finding support groups.

What to Expect

Treatment of your NTM lung disease typically requires taking multiple antibiotics. The standard treatment for most NTM infections is a combination of two or more antibiotics, taken over many months. Because antibiotic therapy for NTM lung disease can be challenging, it is important to know what to expect when living with NTM lung disease.

  • Treatment of NTM lung disease varies from person to person.
  • How your nontuberculous mycobacteria is treated depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection, the severity of your symptoms and your health history.
  • It will be important to prevent infections through good hygiene and regular immunizations.
  • Physical activity will help you build your endurance, strengthen your breathing ability and lift your mood. Talk to your provider about what activity is right for you. 
  • A well-balanced diet will help you maintain a healthy weight and get the nutrients you need to fight your infection.
  • Take some steps to reduce your exposure to NTM bacteria in your environment.
  • Side effects from the medications are common.
  • It will be important to stay in close communication with your healthcare team about your treatment, and any side effects you are experiencing. If you experience side effects, let your healthcare provider know early. They can work with you to help reduce or manage them.
  • Learning how to best manage your side effects will help you to be able to follow your recommended treatment plan.
  • Because your treatment may last for a year or more, it is normal to have different emotions related to your ongoing treatment, symptoms and side effects that you may experience.
  • It can be helpful to join the American Lung Association’s Living with Lung Disease Support Community to connect with others facing this disease. You can also call the Lung Association’s Lung Helpline at 1-800-LUNGUSA to talk to a trained respiratory professional who can help answer your questions and connect you with support.
  • No matter what treatment approach your healthcare provider and you decide on, you will need to be monitored with regular follow-up exams to make sure that the treatment method is working best for you.
  • Contact your healthcare provider sooner if you have any changes or concerns about your health or treatment plan.

How to Best Track Your Treatment

Because your treatment plan will be specific to you, it is important to have a way to keep track of your medications, side effects, and more. Using this Treatment Goals Worksheet will help you follow the plan that you and your healthcare provider develop together.

Key Points

  • A negative sputum sample is the ultimate goal of following your treatment plan.
  • Using this Treatment Goals Worksheet will provide you with a plan that you can follow and refer to during your treatment journey.
Previous: Treating and Managing NTM Lung Disease

Page last updated: October 5, 2026

Best Practices for Radon Test Kit Distribution
, | Nov 18, 2026 Fight For Air Climb - Columbus, OH
Columbus, OH | Feb 20, 2027
See All Events