The ‘Hot tub lung’ currently believed to be extrinsic allergic alveolitis or hypersensitivity pneumonia- type responses to nontuberculous mycobacteria found in hot tubs and other hot water aerosols. This article aims to clear the air whether hot tub lung is actually allergic alveolitis or a chronic new infection. The Hot tub Lung (HTL) is comparatively a rare condition of diffuse granulomatous disease associated with Mycobacteria sp. that pollutes the hot tub water, house showers and swimming pool waters.
The primary risk factors include poor compliance with tub maintenance, low ventilation, and aerosolization. Its pathophysiology is a matter of debate due to the exhibition of both infectious and allergy-type reactions. Most reported cases and research literature supports HTL as a chronic hypersensitivity reaction. This disease often affects adults of both sexes, ages from 10-70 years.…
