"Hot tub lung" expected to increase in the United States - Brief Article

AORN Journal,  Jan, 2003  

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Researchers from the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn, are warning physicians that as the number of hot tubs in the United States continues to increase, "hot tub lung," a disorder caused by Mycobacterium avium complex growing in hot tub water, will become more prevalent, according to a Nov 11, 2002, news release from the clinic. Past reports have characterized the disorder incompletely, and it is unclear whether the disorder is an infection or hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Warm temperatures in hot tubs promote growth of Mycobacterium avium complex, and frequently owners do not clean hot tubs or change their filters as often as recommended. Chlorine loses much of its disinfectant properties at temperatures higher than 84[degrees]F (29[degrees]C), and the steam and bubbles generated by hot tubs aerosolize the organism, facilitating easy inhalation.

According to the researchers, two patients with respiratory problems showed improvement with the use of corticosteroids and discontinuing hot tub use. Researchers suspect that mycobacteria caused their lung inflammation. They note, however, that all reported cases of "hot tub lung" have been associated with an indoor hot tub at a personal residence.

Mayo Clinic Physicians Look for Cause of "Hot Tub Lung" (news release, Rochester, Minn: Mayo Clinic, Nov 11, 2002) http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2002-rst/1527 .html (accessed 27 Nov 2002).

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