Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 26, 2025

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
[Hot tub lung: A retrospective analysis of 14 cases]
R Messe1, C Barrera2, A Gondouin3
1Pôle cœur-poumon, service de pneumologie, CHU de Jean-Minjoz, Besançon, France; Service de pneumologie, hôpitaux universitaires de Genève, Genève, Suisse.
Introduction:
Hot tub lung (HTL) is a hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) related to inhalation of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) when exposed to ejected jet droplets from a jacuzzi. The aetiological debate is not completely settled in the literature.
Method:
An observational study of 14 cases of HTL, diagnosed at the University Hospital of Besançon, France, between 2004 and 2018 according to the diagnostic criteria used in the clinic.
Results:
This cohort corresponds to type I HP (inflammatory), with one case of type II HP. Decrease of lung transfer for carbon monoxide was present in 86% of examinations (n=12/14). In total, 84% of bronchoalveolar lavages showed a lymphocytic cellular pattern≥30% (n=11/13). The environmental survey enabled the identification of NTM in 93% of cases (n=13/14), mainly Mycobacterium avium. Serum precipitins directed against NTM were found in 10% of the cases (n=2/20). Three cases received corticosteroid therapy and none received antibiotics. Antigenic eviction has improved the symptomatology in all cases.
Conclusions:
Our cohort supports the hypothesis that HTL is predominantly a type I HP. Avoidance of the agent involved (NTM) is necessary. The diagnosis is difficult because serum precipitins against NTM are not easily demonstrable. An environmental survey could facilitate the identification of the NTM. Prevention of HTL depends on education of the clinician and the patient.
Related Concept Videos
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
