Asthma, allergies and respiratory symptoms in different activity groups of swimmers exercising in swimming halls

Abstract

Background Respiratory symptoms are common in competitive swimmers. However, among these and in swimmers at other activity levels the swimming distance, the total spent time in swimming halls and their medical background varies. Our objectives were, first, to assess their medical histories and the associations with respiratory symptoms among swimmers in different activity groups and then second, to study the pulmonary function findings and related medications in competitive swimmers who exercise in swimming hall environments the most. Methods First, 1118 participants consisting of 133 competitive-, 734 fitness- and 251 occasional swimmers answered questionnaires concerning their medical background, their respiratory symptoms in connection to swimming distance and their amount of time spent in swimming halls. Secondly, in 130 competitive swimmers, pulmonary function was tested by spirometry and a specific questionnaire was used to assess respiratory symptoms, medical histories and prescribed medication. Results Respiratory symptoms were reported by 18% of the studied swimmers. Competitive swimmers had significantly more symptoms than fitness- and occasional swimmers. Naturally competitive swimmers swum more than 2000 m and stayed by the pool more than 90 min, longer than the other activity groups of swimmers. Spirometry testing showed airway obstruction in 15 swimmers, which was 12% of the 130 competitive swimmers. 21 of them, had physician-diagnosed asthma and 16 of these individuals had prescribed medication for it. Conclusions Competitive swimmers had the highest swimming hall exposure and reported significantly more respiratory symptoms. A high prevalence of airway obstruction findings in competitive swimmers with asthma and allergies suggests a need for future recommendations for regular testing and special medical care for competitive swimmers.

Studying Respiratory Symptoms Related to Swimming Pools Attendance in Young Athletes: The SPHeRA Study

“…In this context, this study attempted to assess, in young athletes involved in competitive swimming by means of a survey, respiratory symptoms not related with infectious diseases, but most likely related to the exposure to the swimming pool environment. The results of several studies showed that competitive swimmers have a relevant prevalence of symptoms (nasal congestion/rhinorrhea and coughing) associated with attendance at swimming pools [8,9,22,23]. In accordance with the findings of these studies, our sample showed a prevalence of nasal congestion/rhinorrhea and coughing equal to 47% and 42.2%, respectively, and significantly higher in winter than in the summer season.…”

“…Having a cohort without smokers and asthmatics is of great relevance when exploring respiratory symptoms because it allows for controlling the role of tobacco smoke or of asthma as important confounding factors. In fact, smoking or asthma may determine some negative effects on respiratory function and other respiratory symptoms, similar to those reported in swimmers or other subjects exposed to airborne pollutants [8,47,48]. However, in order to evaluate the contribution of allergy and asthma to respiratory symptoms, we added these two variables in the logistic models and, in summer, having allergy or asthma were independent contributors, respectively, to nasal congestion/rhinorrhea and coughing.…”

“…This study was aimed at exploring the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in young Italian competitive swimmers. Numerous studies have reported a high incidence of respiratory symptoms in competitive swimmers [8,23,24]. In particular, in the study performed by Päivinen et al [8], respiratory symptoms were reported by 18% of the studied swimmers.…”

“…Numerous studies have reported a high incidence of respiratory symptoms in competitive swimmers [8,23,24]. In particular, in the study performed by Päivinen et al [8], respiratory symptoms were reported by 18% of the studied swimmers. A higher proportion was found by Stadelmann et al [23], which recovered respiratory symptoms in 83% of the sample.…”

“…However, on the other hand, numerous studies evaluated the potential negative impact of swimming on practitioners. More specifically, respiratory symptoms such as coughing, dyspnoea, chest tightness, and throat or nasal problems have been observed to occur in competitive swimmers during training or close to the activity and to affect them more than other athletes or non-competitive swimmers [8,9]. One of the most discussed hypotheses suggests that the increased prevalence of these symptoms in competitive swimmers is due to the presence in water of disinfection by-products (DBPs) derived from chlorination [9][10][11][12][13][14][15], which is still the most widespread and economical method to control biological risk affecting the swimming pool water [16].…”