Nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in the differential diagnosis of chronic cough

Patients presenting with chronic coughs are seen frequently by allergists/immunologists. When the usual diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers do not control symptoms, it is worthwhile to consider whether a non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection might be playing a role in the pathogenesis of the coughing. Sputum culture should be considered along with a pulmonary computerized axial tomography scan. NTM infection should be added to the differential diagnosis list for patients with chronic coughs unresponsive to conventional therapy.