Although swimming has become popular in swimming pools around the world, there are many people who prefer swim in the sea open. However, the activity requires much more from the athlete in terms of physical fitness and strength. Furthermore, it can pose serious health risks.
This is what an article published in the scientific journal BMJ Case Reports. The text is signed by researchers from the Royal United Hospitals Bath and the University of Bath, UK.
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What is the health risk of swimming in the sea?
According to the scientific article, athletes who choose to swim in the sea may have pulmonary edema induced by the activity. The condition is also known as immersion pulmonary edema.
Characterized by having shortness of breath, coughing, excessive expectoration and even coughing up blood, the condition is not common. It is estimated to affect about 2% of open ocean swimmers.
Researchers believe that the disease happens due to the change in blood flow and a stronger response of the lung vessels to the cold sea.
Sea demands more from the body
Environmental factors such as current, wind, the salt of the sea water and mainly to temperature of the sea, are decisive in the risks of the activity. This can lead to heart disease, according to the study's scientists.
One of the study volunteers, a 50-year-old woman with no history of health problems, had pulmonary edema after a long-distance swimming triathlon.
“While swimming on a night dive, I started to hyperventilate and realized I couldn't swim any further. When I got out, I stripped off my wetsuit and immediately felt my lungs filling with fluid. I started coughing and felt a metallic taste in my mouth.”
A blood test showed that the woman had high levels of troponin. This is a protein found in muscle, released after damage to the heart.
The lady also complained of chest pain a few days after the episode. An MRI showed that there was myocardial edema.
Should I stop swimming?
None of that! Even because the swimming It is an extremely beneficial sport for the body. However, scientists advise swimmers who experience shortness of breath, chest pain or any other symptom of pulmonary edema to get out of the water and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Graduated in Social Communication at the Federal University of Goiás. Passionate about digital media, pop culture, technology, politics and psychoanalysis.