Welcome to our central hub for understanding medical acronyms, terminology, and frequently asked questions about Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) and bronchiectasis in New Zealand.

1. Core Conditions & Bacterial Species

• NTM

  • Nontuberculous Mycobacteria: A family of naturally occurring environmental bacteria found in soil and water that can cause chronic lung infections in susceptible individuals.

• NTM-LD

  • Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease: The clinical disease manifested when NTM bacteria establish a progressive infection inside the respiratory system.

• BE

  • Bronchiectasis: A long-term condition where the airways of the lungs become abnormally widened, leading to a build-up of excess mucus and making the lungs more vulnerable to NTM infections.

• MAC

  • Mycobacterium avium complex: The most common group of NTM species causing lung disease in humans, including M. avium, M. intracellulare, and M. chimaera.

• M. abscessus

  • Mycobacterium abscessus: A fast-growing, highly drug-resistant strain of NTM that often requires complex, multi-drug treatment plans.

• M. kansasii

  • Mycobacterium kansasii: An NTM species that closely mimics classic tuberculosis (TB) symptoms but is non-contagious and generally highly responsive to specific antibiotics.

• CF

  • Cystic Fibrosis: An inherited genetic condition that causes thick, sticky mucus buildup in the lungs, making individuals highly susceptible to developing bronchiectasis and NTM infections.

• COPD

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An umbrella term for progressive lung diseases (like emphysema and chronic bronchitis) that damage the airways and increase the risk of NTM colonization.

• MOTT

  • Mycobacteria Other Than Tuberculosis: An older medical term previously used by doctors to describe the entire NTM bacterial family.

2. Diagnostics, Imaging & Monitoring

• AFB

  • Acid-Fast Bacilli: A laboratory staining technique used on sputum samples to rapidly spot the presence of mycobacteria under a microscope.

• HRCT / CT

  • High-Resolution Computed Tomography: Detailed chest scans essential for identifying early bronchiectasis tracking, tree-in-bud abnormalities, lung nodules, or cavitation.

• PFT

  • Pulmonary Function Testing: Breathing tests that track total lung volume, airflow speed, and how efficiently oxygen crosses into the bloodstream.

• BAL

  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage: A medical procedure where a small amount of fluid is squirted into a segment of the lung and recollected during a bronchoscopy to gather deep fluid cultures.

3. Airway Management & New Zealand Care

• ACT / Chest PT

  • Airway Clearance Techniques / Chest Physiotherapy: Physical strategies, targeted breathing exercises, percussion, or devices utilized daily to loosen thick retained mucus and clear it from damaged airways.

• PEP / OPEP

  • Positive Expiratory Pressure / Oscillatory PEP: Handheld respiratory devices (like the Flutter or Acapella) that create vibrations and resistance during exhalation to split open stable airways and shift mucus.

• PHARMAC

  • Pharmaceutical Management Agency: The New Zealand government crown entity that decides which medicines and pharmaceutical treatments are subsidized for Kiwi patients.

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is NTM lung disease contagious?

No. Unlike classic Tuberculosis (TB), NTM lung disease is not known to be contagious from person to person. People catch it directly from environmental exposures, such as inhaling potting mix dust, aerosolized tap water, or garden soil particles.

What is the link between bronchiectasis and NTM?

They share a structural relationship. Bronchiectasis causes airways to stretch out and pooling mucus to accumulate. This pooling mucus creates a perfect physical environment for inhaled NTM bacteria to settle, multiply, and turn into a chronic infection.

Why do doctors need multiple sputum tests to confirm NTM?

Because NTM bacteria are ubiquitous in the environment, a single isolated positive sample could simply represent passing environmental exposure. International guidelines typically require at least two separate positive sputum cultures to definitively confirm an active, replicating lung infection.

Where can I find local peer support in New Zealand?

You do not have to face this journey alone. New Zealand has a dedicated patient network. You can reach out to the New Zealand NTM Support Group by emailing NewZealand@ntminfo.org. Our network is led by Peer Support Group Leader Sue, an NTMir Patient Ambassador who helps connect Kiwi patients for shared advice, support, and monthly online catch-ups.