Is Your Shower Head Making You Sick? Make an Appointment Ask a Question Search Conditions This information has been reviewed and approved by Shannon Kasperbauer, MD (November 2021). 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) There are over 200 different species of NTM Spread through environment, not person to person Cure rate is about 50% NTM Symptoms Chronic or recurring cough Fever Weight loss Lack of appetite Night sweats Loss of energy 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 often with skeletal abnormalities such as scoliosis Immune compromised individuals 30,000 new NTM infections are diagnosed each year Where is NTM Found? NTM bacteria are abundant in soil and water NTM can live in the shower head, indoor plumbing and charcoal filters Water droplets and steam in showers can carry the bacteria and be inhaled when showering Soil particles containing NTM can be inhaled when soil is disturbed NTM are found in all parts of the world Preventing NTM Clean your showerhead by soaking in vinegar or a diluted bleach solution 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, steam showers, hot tubs, and indoor pools etc. where steam or droplets with bacteria particles could be inhaled Wear a mask and gloves while gardening Treating NTM Different species require different treatments The treatment duration is long, typically 12-18 months The goal of treatment is to render sputum cultures “negative” for one year What is MAC NTM? Caused by group of bacteria called Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) Most common NTM species Most common cause of NTM in the U.S. Cure rate 65% Treated with 3 antibiotics 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: