Nasal and lung function in competitive swimmers

Nasal and sinusal complaints are considered common among swimmers. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the nasal and bronchial functions, before and after swimming, and the relationship between nasal resistances and FEV1 in competitive swimmers. A group of 30 competitive swimmers were examined: spirometry and nasal respiratory tests were carried out before and after swimming. Moreover, both the competitive swimmers and the 150 visitors of a swimming pool were asked to complete a specific questionnaire. In this questionnaire, 18% of the population reported nasal-sinusal symptoms after swimming. The differences between nasal volumes and resistances before and after swimming were not statistically significant. Nasal patency increased or remained unchanged in 21/30 athletes. The variations in FEV1 were not statistically significant. In conclusion, results showed that swimming is able to increase nasal patency or to leave it unchanged. Temporary worsening of the nasal patency was observed in only a few hyper-reactive patients. In the whole group, no variations, at bronchial level, were found.