The NTM Handbook: A Guide for Patients with Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections including MAC

This is a well-written handbook written I layman's language about non-tubercular mycobacterial infections--what they are, how to diagnose them, where to get specialized treatment if you don't have access to a pulmonary specialist or infectious disease specialist. These infections can require treatment with 2 or 3 antibiotics for as much as 2 years. I had 2 hospitalizations for CAP (community-acquired pneumonia) without cultures in 2017...but in 2018, I regularly got sick with the same symptoms, but my doctor and I knew how to keep me out of the hospital, at least.This book was published in 2009. My own research indicates that a mycobaterial infection called Mycobacterium Mucogenesis was named in 1996--after years of confusion as to what it was. By 2009 there was quite a bit written about it, and an interenet search would have shown this. It is one of the more rapidly growing mycobacterial infections found in tap water and soil, as well as aerosolized water and inorganic dust. If you have been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, or anything along those lines, I would suggest, as does the author, considering a more formal pulmonary workup with a specialist. She spends a great deal of time praising the center at the National Jewish Hospital in Denver, Colorado. She mentions only in passing that this is a specialty at the Medical School at the University of Texas in Tyler.My 4 star review is based primarily on the lack of reference to M. mucogenesis. Otherwise, it is an excellent "patient handbook" in an area where there are none.

It only took a couple of days to read it cover to cover. Some very helpful information that i will apply to my case.

very informative

This is an excellently written summary of all aspects of the NTM disease and probably should be required reading for pulmonary doctors before they try to explain the disease to patients. The book covers every aspect from initial diagnosis through recovery with additional commentary from other actual patients.

The only resource I have found for laity on this subject. I hope there will be an expanded addition. So helpful!

If you have MAC you need to buy this book.

Bought to read as my daughter has ntm. Wasn't anything in it I didn't already know but was interesting reading the different stories. Nicely put into different sections. Would recommend.