In Florida Health Insurance Is Now Needed To Fight Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
Florida is among eleven states that epidemiologists will be studying for increasing levels of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria or NTM.
These bacteria are found in soil and water, as well as some animal species. There have been increasing problems with the devastating lung disease these organisms cause. In fact, NTM is a leading cause of death for people who have HIV or AIDS.
Who Is at Risk for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria?
In Florida, an annual increase of this pulmonary disease was tracked at 3.2 percent among men, and 6.5 percent among women. The disease is most likely to strike women, but has been increasing among both men and women in their 50s and 60s. There is also a tendency for NTM to affect women who are very thin.
Who will be affected by NTM is not completely clear, but NTM is associated with certain conditions. These conditions include bronchiectasis, cigarette smoking, COPD, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, infection of the lungs, inhalation of inorganic dust, a specific blood protein deficiency, or spillage of material from mouth or stomach into the lungs.
What Are the Symptoms of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria?
People with NTM infections may have all or some of the following symptoms. A persistent or periodic cough that may or may not include sputum is common. Anytime you cough up blood, it is advisable to see a doctor. Emergency help may be necessary should you cough up a cupful or more of blood over 24 hours.
Low-grade fever is likewise common, and feverishness and sweating is most likely to occur at night. Patients may also experience loss of appetite and weight loss, as well as profound, but variable, lack of energy.
Fortunately, NTM is not believed to be contagious, so don't fear transmitting it to others.
How Is Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Diagnosed?
NTM is difficult to diagnose, and treatment is sometimes delayed until recurrent infections have occurred. Multiple tests may be needed, along with the services of highly-specialized labs, so Florida health insurance will be a great help in securing an accurate and early diagnosis.
Doctors use sputum cultures to identify mycobacteria. Specialized laboratories are needed to isolate the specific type of NTM disease you have, and to determine which drugs will work on that strain.
A computed tomography (CT) scan can take a look at both the extent and location of the disease. It is also helpful to know what childhood illnesses may have affected your lungs, too.
How Is Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Treated?
Different types of NTM require various treatment approaches. Some species are readily treated with two or three drugs, but others can be drug resistant. Multiple medications will most likely be necessary, so some form of Florida health insurance is essential.
Inhaled antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents such as steroids, or bronchodilators may be prescribed. Liquid or pill prescriptions, or intravenous (IV) medicines are other possibilities.
You may also need help to clear your lungs and sinuses of mucus. That help may involve chest physical therapy with postural drainage, use of a flutter or pep valve, or an inflatable electric vest.
It is important to drink a lot of liquid, but avoid coffee and tea or other diuretics that can lead to dehydration. Mix juice with water for extra calories.
Exercise is usually recommended to clear the lungs, but discuss the extent and type of exercise you plan with a doctor. Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Treating NTM often requires taking multiple medicines, and regular follow-up exams, so Florida health insurance to relieve the cost of treatment is very helpful. The complexity of treatment also makes referral to a center that specializes in NTM infections advisable. One such national referral center that specializes in pulmonary NTM disease is at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Because getting the flu can be serious if you have an NTM infection, be sure you understand how to recognize the difference between a cold and the flu. Flu shots and vaccination against pneumonia are also generally advisable.
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