Art of Aging: Lung infection

The risk of Legionnaires' disease is well-documented. Experts are now warning about another water-borne lung infection that is particularly dangerous for seniors.

Joan Waldbaum was a late bloomer to competitive swimming, not starting until she was in her late 60s.

But, she's done a lot since, racing locally, nationally, and internationally, and racking up a lot of medals.

"Too many! In fact, I'm getting to the point where I don't want to take them anymore," said Joan.

Last year, just as she was getting back in the pool after a bout of cancer, Joan says, "All of a sudden, I was extremely tired, and I started to lose weight."

A chest x-ray, then a CT scan revealed that Joan had a lung infection called NTM - non-tuberculous mycobacteria.

Dr. Leah Lande of Lankenau Main Line Health says NTM is found in the environment.

"In household plumbing, in the hot water heaters, and the faucets to the kitchen sink. It can also be in the bathroom sink, the shower head, humidifiers, and hot tubs," said Dr. Lande.

Only a small percentage of people exposed to NTM will actually get an infection, and how they get it isn't completely understood.

It is more common in older people, particularly women, as well as people who are thin, Caucasian or Asian.

Doctors used to think it was limited to people with underlying lung disease, or with compromised immune systems.

But that's changed. Dr. Lande says, "We're actually seeing a growing incidence of NTM infections in people who are otherwise healthy."

Dr. Lande says common signs are a long-term cough, fatigue, frequent respiratory infections. And, in severe cases, shortness of breath, fevers, and night sweats.

"Treatment for this infection is very tedious. It requires usually a minimum of 3 antibiotics taken for a minimum of a year, but often several years," added Dr. Lande.

Joan is almost done with treatment, and back to winning races.

"I feel good, I feel strong, and I feel healthy," said Joan.

And, she's looking forward to a 2017 meet in Israel.

She says, "I'll be the oldest one," laughs Joan.