History of pulmonary symptoms: cough, fatigue, malaise, fever, weight loss, dyspnea, hemoptysis, or chest discomfort
Imaging abnormalities (within 2 years): defined as nodular or cavitary opacities on chest radiograph, or a computed tomography scan that shows bronchiectasis or bronchial wall thickening with associated multiple small nodules.
Definition of NTM case:
Definition of NTM control:
You may not be if
Recent (\<1 months prior) oral antibiotic or steroid use. (Continuous treatment with macrolides and inhaled steroids are acceptable \>1 month prior)
Recent smoking history
Forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) \< 70%of predicted.
Significant cardiovascular disease defined as abnormal EKG, known or suspected coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure.
Diabetes mellitus
Significant liver or renal disease
Severe coagulopathy (INR \> 1.4, Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) \> 40 seconds and platelet count \< 150x103 cells).
Pregnancy
Ethanol (ETOH) use of more than \>6 beers or \>4 mixed drinks daily
