A1 Journal article (refereed)
Asthma, allergies and respiratory symptoms in different activity groups of swimmers exercising in swimming halls (2021)
Päivinen, M., Keskinen, K., Putus, T., Kujala, U. M., Kalliokoski, P., & Tikkanen, H. O. (2021). Asthma, allergies and respiratory symptoms in different activity groups of swimmers exercising in swimming halls. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 13, Article 119. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-021-00349-2
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Päivinen, Marja; Keskinen, Kari; Putus, Tuula; Kujala, Urho M.; Kalliokoski, Pentti; Tikkanen, Heikki O.
Journal or series: BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
eISSN: 2052-1847
Publication year: 2021
Publication date: 04/10/2021
Volume: 13
Article number: 119
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-021-00349-2
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/78082
Abstract
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.
Keywords: asthma; allergy; respiratory organs; respiratory tract diseases; lungs; lung diseases; airways (respiratory organs); swimming; swimmers; indoor swimming pools (sports halls); medicines; pharmacotherapy
Free keywords: asthma; allergy; respiratory symptoms; pulmonary function; swimming halls; swimming
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2021
JUFO rating: 1
