When Breathing Becomes a Battle: World NTM Day 2025 Highlights Urgent Lung Health Threat

As the world prepares to observe World NTM Day on August 4, 2025, NTM Info & Research (NTMir) is calling on patients, physicians, caregivers, and policy leaders to shine a spotlight on nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease, a growing but underrecognized threat to global respiratory health.

NTM lung disease is caused by environmental bacteria found in water and soil. While many are exposed, people with underlying lung conditions—particularly bronchiectasis—are at higher risk of infection. Alarmingly, new data show that NTM cases are rising by more than 8.2% annually, particularly among women over age 65 and individuals with chronic lung disease. The economic burden per patient can exceed $30,000 per year, underscoring the cost of delayed diagnosis and limited treatment options.

“NTM lung disease is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed conditions we see today,” said Amy Leitman, JD, President of NTMir. “It doesn’t just threaten lives—it disrupts them. But the earlier we recognize the symptoms, the better our chances of preventing severe lung damage and improving patient outcomes.”

Most people diagnosed with NTM also have bronchiectasis, a condition that causes permanent damage to the airways. When combined, the diseases can lead to a vicious cycle of recurring infections, declining lung function, and years of missed opportunities for proper care.

“We want to empower people to listen to their lungs,” said Leitman. “If someone is experiencing persistent coughing, fatigue, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss—don’t wait. Ask your doctor if NTM could be the cause.”

This year’s theme, “Recognize. Respond. Rise Together,” emphasizes the critical need for:

• Early diagnosis through improved screening protocols
   
• Patient education and community engagement
   
• Investment in research and innovation to support more effective and accessible treatments
   

To that end, NTMir continues to lead efforts to:

• Deliver comprehensive educational resources on diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing clinical research
   
• Support a global network of patients and caregivers through online communities and local support groups
   
• Advocate for increased research funding and policy change to address the unmet needs of the NTM community
   

Visit www.WorldNTMDay.org for patient stories, educational tools, clinical trial information, and ways to take action.

Header image caption: Amy Leitman, President, NTM Info & Research
National advocate, subject matter expert on NTM lung disease and bronchiectasis