You’ve probably heard that swimming is a good way to improve your lung capacity, particularly if you have asthma or other breathing complications. But in some cases, swimming can actually result in lung tightness.
If this happens to you, it could be the sign of an exercise-related condition. Read on to learn more.
Reasons for Lung Tightness
The tightness of the lungs you may experience after swimming can come from one of the following conditions:
- Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB)
- Exercise-induced asthma (EIA)
- Swimming-induced pulmonary edema (SIPE)
EIB and EIA occur due to the narrowing of the bronchial airways during your workout. A review of research shows that while these two terms are often used interchangeably, they’re separate conditions — EIA occurs in people who have underlying asthma, whereas EIB occurs in people who don’t have asthma.
SIPE, on the other hand, is a potentially serious condition that happens in cold water temperatures under heavy exertion. This increases pulmonary vascular pressure, which could cause pulmonary edema. Research shows that SIPE usually appears in snorkelers, swimmers, and scuba divers.
Symptoms to Watch Out for After Swimming
Symptoms of EIA and EIB include wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing.
The major factor in diagnosing SIPE is that it is triggered by submersion in water. In those with SIPE, symptoms can also include coughing, shortness of breath, and sometimes the appearance of bloody phlegm. Research shows that occurrences of SIPE can last for as long as a week.
Treating Lung Tightness After Swimming
Research shows that EIA treatment should focus on using inhaled steroids to control symptoms. EIB can also be treated with medication, but humidifying or warming the air around you might also help to reduce symptoms.
For SIPE, studies show that supportive treatment is most effective for initial management of this condition. People exhibiting symptoms of SIPE should have their vital signs taken, then be actively dried, including the removal of their wet suit if they’re wearing one.
The person being treated for SIPE should also be kept warm. Research shows that drinking warm fluids can help with core warming and calm the person down. These measures usually help to improve the person’s condition, with no need for any intense follow-up treatment.
Preventing Lung Tightness After Swimming
To prevent tightness of the lungs after swimming in the future, it’s best to first identify the source of your shortness of breath. Talk with your doctor to determine what might be the cause.
Those with EIB and EIA might need to work out with an inhaler in hand and avoid swimming long distances; instead, swim in short, more intense spurts. Studies also show that avoiding exposure to cold, irritants, or pollutants can help some people with EIB.
Diet is also a possible way to manage EIB. According to research, diets that are low in salt but high in antioxidants and fish oils could decrease symptom frequency and severity. However, there aren’t currently any studies that compare medication with nonpharmacologic treatments.
As far as SIPE goes, certain people are more at risk than others. Studies demonstrate that people who are more likely to experience SIPE are:
- Older
- Female
- Overhydrated
- Consume more fish oil
- Feel a greater perceived intensity of exercise
They may also have:
- Asthma
- Subclinical mitral valve regurgitation
- Decreased FVC (forced vital capacity) and FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) during tests of pulmonary function
- Cardiopulmonary disease history
Since SIPE can occur during competitive events, organizers may provide warning information about being screened for any significant preexisting conditions or ask participants if they developed any symptoms during training, which researchers believe may reduce the occurrence of SIPE.
