Is Your Shower Head Making You Sick? Make an Appointment Ask a Question Search Conditions This information has been reviewed and approved by Gwen A. Huitt, MD, MS (August 2017). Summary: Is Your Shower Head Making You Sick? NTM Could Be The Answer A disease called NTM may be spread through water from contaminated shower heads. What is NTM? NTM stands for nontuberculous mycobacteria Bacteria similar to tuberculosis (TB) Spread through environment, not person to person Cure rate is only about 50% Symptoms of NTM Chronic or recurring cough Fever Weight loss Lack of appetite Night sweats Loss of energy Where is NTM found? NTM bacteria are abundant in soil and water NTM can live in the shower head - soap/calcium build-up may also contain NTM Water droplets and steam in showers can carry the bacteria and be inhaled while showering Soil particles containing NTM can be inhaled when soil is stirred NTM Prevention Clean your showerhead by soaking in vinegar or water Replace showerheads periodically as needed Set water heater to 140° (use caution to avoid scalding) Remove the shower head completely Take baths instead of showers Avoid steam rooms, hot tubs, etc. where steam or droplets with bacteria particles could be inhaled Wear a mask and gloves while gardening Who can get NTM? Anyone can get nontuberculous mycobacteria, but it mostly affects: People with underlying lung disease (e.g., COPD, bronchiectasis) Tall, thin women 30,000 new NTM infections are diagnosed each year Need Help or More Info? Contact National Jewish Health More Information on Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) NTM Health Information NTM Center of Excellence NTM Program Division of Mycobacterial and Respiratory Infections Find a Doctor Want to use this on your website? Fill out the content usage request form and then copy this code: