(aka Humidifier Fever, Sump Bay Fever, Bath Water Fever)

Etiology

• Aerosols from Contaminated Water Sources
  • Hot Tubs
  • Saunas
  • Commercial Humidifying Systems
  • Metal Machines Cooling Fluid

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Physiology

• Inhalational Exposure to Aerosols from Water Contaminated with Legionella (see [[Legionellosis]]) and Other Organisms
  • Possibly Cytokine-Mediated

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Diagnosis

• CXR/Chest CT: usually normal (if infiltrates are present, should suggest alternative diagnosis)
• CBC: leukocytosis may be seen
• ABG: hypoxemia is unusual
• FOB: marked influx of neutrophils

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Clinical

• Timing of Onset: symptoms occur 4-8 hrs after acute inhalation of aerosols
• Features
  • Mild Dyspnea (see Dyspnea)
  • Cough (see Cough)
  • Fever (see Fever)
  • Flu-Like Syndrome
    • Malaise
    • Chills
    • Myalgias

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Treatment

• Self-Limited: usually spontaenously resolves within 12-48 hrs

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References

• xxx