Ocorrência de sintomas asmáticos e de distúrbio obstrutivo em nadadores amadores de 8 a 17 anos de idade

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of asthma symptoms and of airflow obstruction in amateur swimmers between 8 and 17 years of age, as well as to assess the awareness of asthma and asthma management among these swimmers, their parents, and their coaches. Methods: Our sample comprised 1,116 amateur swimmers who completed a modified version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood written questionnaire, to which questions regarding the reasons to initiate swimming and regarding asthma management had been added. In addition, the participants underwent spirometry prior to a swimming competition. Results: The prevalence of asthma symptoms in the last 12 months was 11.5%, and 327 (29.4%) of the participants reported "wheezing or whistling" in the past. Of the 223 swimmers who reported "asthma ever" or "bronchitis ever", only 102 (45.7%) reported having ever been treated: the most common "treatment" was swimming (in 37.3%), and only 12.7% used inhaled corticosteroids. Of the 254 participants (22.7%) with airflow obstruction, only 52 (20.5%) reported having asthma symptoms. Conclusions: Asthma symptoms are present in amateur swimmers, and a considerable number of such swimmers have airflow obstruction without symptoms. It is therefore likely that the prevalence of asthma is underestimated in this population. It is worrisome that, in our study sample, the swimmers previously diagnosed with asthma were not using the recommended treatments for asthma. The clinical implications of these findings underscore the importance of implementing educational measures for amateur swimmers, as well as for their parents and coaches, to help them recognize asthma symptoms and the consequent risks in the sports environment, in order to allow prompt diagnosis and early clinical intervention.Keywords: Asthma/diagnosis; Asthma/prevention & control; Sports. ResumoObjetivo: Analisar a prevalência de sintomas asmáticos e de obstrução ao fluxo aéreo em nadadores amadores de 8-17 anos de idade e avaliar a conscientização sobre asma e tratamento de asma entre nadadores, seus pais e treinadores. Métodos: Uma amostra com 1.116 nadadores amadores respondeu a uma versão modificada do questionário escrito do International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, ao qual questões sobre as razões de início da natação e sobre gerenciamento de asma foram adicionadas. Os participantes realizaram espirometria antes de uma prova de natação. Resultados: A prevalência de sintomas de asma nos últimos 12 meses foi de 11,5%, e 327 participantes (29,4%) relataram sibilos no passado. Dos 223 nadadores que relataram asma ou bronquite na vida, somente 102 (45,7%) relataram algum tipo de tratamento: natação foi o "tratamento" mais frequente (37,3%), e somente 12,7% utilizavam corticosteroides inalatórios. Dos 254 participantes (22,7%) com obstrução ao fluxo aéreo, somente 52 (20,5%) relataram sintomas de asma. Conclusões: Os sintomas de asma estão presentes em nadadores amadores, e muitos deles têm obstrução ao fluxo aéreo sem sint...