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Swimming-Induced Pulmonary Edema (SIPE), Sports Medicine

James Suchy, MD and Caitlyn C. Mooney, MD, FAAP, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Acute onset of respiratory symptoms, such as dyspnea, cough, chest pain/tightness, hemoptysis with potential for respiratory failure due to the leakage of fluid from the pulmonary ca...

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnostic hallmark of SIPE is complete resolution of symptoms within 24 to 48 hr 6

HISTORY

  • Acute onset of symptoms either during or immediately following exertion in water activities, s...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Normalize the environment by stopping activity, removing the patient from the water, placing them in a warm environment, and sitting them upright if conscious (all of which r...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Recurrent episodes of SIPE are known to occur.

  • Approximately a 17% recurrence rate (likely underestimated given fear of swimming again)

  • Following resolution of symp...

REFERENCES

1
Miller CCIII, Calder-Becker K, Modave F. Swimming-induced pulmonary edema in triathletes. Am J Emerg Med.  2010;28(8):941–946.
2
Moon RE, Martina SD, Peacher DF, et al. Deaths in triath...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Recent increases in the popularity of water immersion events have increased our awareness of SIPE as a potential cause of morbidity and mortality in water athletes.

  • There are steps that...

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