Living with Legionnaires' disease
A serious lung infection (pneumonia) caused by Legionella bacteria that grow in some water systems.
Understanding Legionnaires' disease
Legionella lives naturally in freshwater and soil. People usually get sick when it grows and spreads in man-made water systems, such as hot tubs, fountains, and the plumbing of large buildings like hotels or nursing homes. Legionella can also cause Pontiac fever, a milder, flu-like illness that does not infect the lungs.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet.
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with American Lung Association
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by Legionella bacteria. People usually get sick when the bacteria grow and spread in man-made water systems.
Also known as: infection by legionella pneumophilia; infection caused by legionella pneumophilia; legionella; legionella pneumonia; legionnaire's disease; legionnaires disease
Patient organizations
- American Lung AssociationLegionnaires' disease · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Legionnaires' disease.
Explore research for Legionnaires' disease
Explore actively recruiting Legionnaires' disease studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Legionnaires' disease with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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