6533b83afe1ef96bd12a6f02
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Asthma, allergies and respiratory symptoms in different activity groups of swimmers exercising in swimming halls
Heikki O. TikkanenUrho M. KujalaPentti KalliokoskiKari L. KeskinenMarja PäivinenMarja PäivinenTuula Putussubject
AllergySports medicineAllergyCHILDRENallergiaPulmonary function testingRESPONSIVENESS0302 clinical medicineastmaOrthopedics and Sports MedicineRespiratory symptomsRespiratory systemswimmingSwimming hallsmedicine.diagnostic_testRehabilitationpulmonary functionrespiratory symptomsuimahallitLUNG-FUNCTIONhengityselinten tauditHEALTHRC1200-1245Spirometrymedicine.medical_specialtyPulmonary functionPhysical Therapy Sports Therapy and RehabilitationSpirometry testing03 medical and health scienceshengityselimetBENEFITSmedicinekeuhkosairaudetEXPOSUREkeuhkotSwimmingAsthmabusiness.industryINDUCED BRONCHOCONSTRICTIONResearchuimarit030229 sport sciencesAirway obstructionasthmahengitystietmedicine.diseaseallergyAsthmalääkkeetPOOL ATTENDANCE030228 respiratory systemswimming halls3121 General medicine internal medicine and other clinical medicineuintiSports medicinePhysical therapylääkehoitobusinessdescription
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.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-10-01 | BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation |