Swimming-induced pulmonary edema: clinical presentation and serial lung function

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Environmental Medicine

Background:

• Acute pulmonary edema, termed swimming-induced pulmonary edema (SIPE), affects swimmers and divers.
• Mechanisms, consequences, and patient data for SIPE are not well-documented.
• This study evaluates 70 trainees diagnosed with SIPE, reporting clinical presentation, recurrence, and physiological findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical presentation and characteristics of swimming-induced pulmonary edema (SIPE).
• To determine the incidence of SIPE recurrence in a trainee population.
• To investigate the physiological impact of SIPE through physical examination, chest radiography, and spirometry.

Main Methods:

• Diagnosed SIPE based on severe shortness of breath and cough during or after swimming, with pulmonary edema evidence.
• Documented 70 SIPE cases in young male trainees from 1998-2001.
• Conducted physical exams, pulse oximetry, chest radiography, and spirometry on affected trainees.

Main Results:

• All subjects experienced severe shortness of breath; 95.7% had cough, 90% produced sputum, and 55.7% had hemoptysis.
• Mean oxygen saturation dropped significantly post-swimming (88.4% vs. 98%, p < 0.001).
• Chest radiographs were normal; 22.9% experienced recurrent SIPE, and spirometry showed persistent restrictive lung function for a week.

Conclusions:

• Swimming-induced pulmonary edema (SIPE) is a frequent and recurring issue in trainees, impacting their performance.
• The predisposing factors for SIPE occurrence and recurrence remain unclear.
• Long-term effects of SIPE require further investigation.