Endurance sports involving cold water, such as the Iron Man challenge, are becoming increasingly popular – but some participants may be at risk of lung disease, experts warned today.
Cardiologists in Taunton, UK, have identified cases of pulmonary oedema, a condition which causes a build-up of watery fluid in the lungs.
They say the risk is caused when athletes push themselves to the limit and are "unable or unwilling" to rest.
According to researcher Dr David MacIver, the risk comes from a unique combination of strenuous swimming, cold water and highly trained individuals.
The condition can be caused when the heart fails to pump fast enough to remove fluid from the lungs.
Dr MacIver, from Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, has issued his warning in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine after coming across two cases of the illness affecting triathletes. He says growing numbers of cases are being reported affecting army trainees and community triathletes.
He said: “Swimming-induced pulmonary oedema is a well-documented but relatively rare condition that may be misdiagnosed. If an accurate diagnosis and appropriate advice are not given individuals are at increased risk of future life threatening episodes and drowning.
“If the athlete is in open water and unable or unwilling to rest while there is ongoing stroke volume difference, pulmonary oedema can take place with potentially fatal consequences.
“An increased awareness of the risk of swimming-induced pulmonary oedema among participants, organisers and medical personnel is important, especially as many may have swum before in the same conditions without experiencing symptoms.”
Swimming-induced pulmonary oedema in two triathletes: a novel pathophysiological explanation. JRSM 24 October 2014; doi: 10.1177/0141076814543214
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