dennis thompson
Health Day Reporter
TUESDAY, Jan. 10, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Swimmer comes to shore struggling to breathe and coughing up blood.
A keen long-distance swimmer and triathlete, the woman was in good health when she began her night open water swimming competition.
But a few weeks ago, she struggled to breathe during another open water swim, forcing her to forego the event. For the next few days, she was out of breath.
The woman, in her 50s, had suffered from one of the increasingly well-known hazards associated with open water swimming — fluid buildup in the lungs, known as pulmonary edema.
According to a January 9 post in BMJ Case Reports.
Oldman is a cardiologist at the Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust
First reported in 1989, SIPE makes it difficult for swimmers to breathe when fluid collects in the air sacs of the lungs. It affects about 1% to 2% of open water swimmers, but cases may be underreported, Oldman and colleagues wrote.
Older age, longer distances, drinking cold water, female sex, high blood pressure and heart disease are risk factors for SIPE, the researchers said. However, it occurs frequently even in those who are in good physical condition.
The researchers noted that the water in which the woman was active was cold, about 62 degrees Fahrenheit, but she was wearing a wetsuit. However, after swimming about 300 yards, her symptoms started.
She was rushed to hospital where a chest X-ray revealed pulmonary edema. Worse, fluid seeps into the heart muscle, a condition called myocardial edema.
However, this lady was lucky. Her symptoms resolved within two hours of arriving at the hospital and she was discharged the next morning.
Recurrences of SIPE are common, reported in 13% to 22% of scuba divers and swimmers — suggesting that some people are predisposed to the condition, the researchers said.
No one is sure what causes SIPE, but it could be some combination of increased blood pressure in the lungs, increased blood flow during physical exertion, and cold weather causing blood vessels to constrict, the researchers said.
Researchers recommend that people prone to SIPE swim at a slower pace with other people in warm water. To further reduce risk, these swimmers should avoid tight wetsuits and should not take NSAIDs such as ibuprofen.
Anyone who develops symptoms for the first time should stop swimming and get out of the water immediately. Sit up straight and seek medical help if symptoms persist.
More information
The Mayo Clinic has more on pulmonary edema.
source: british medical journalPress Release, January 9, 2022
