Common Illnesses When Swimming and Preventive Measures

When swimming, if safety conditions are not met, individuals can easily contract illnesses related to the ears, nose, and throat due to ingesting water or inhaling pool water that introduces germs into the nose, throat, and sinuses, particularly the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria.

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Common Illnesses Associated with Swimming

According to Dr. Nguyen Tran Nam from the Infectious Diseases Department at Children’s Hospital 2 in Ho Chi Minh City, swimming has many positive effects on the respiratory system, cardiovascular health, joints, muscles, and obesity. Each hour of consistent swimming burns approximately 800 kcal. Numerous studies suggest that swimming for about 30 to 60 minutes each day, 3 to 4 days per week, can significantly reduce the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension.

Photo: News.

However, the doctor also warns of several illnesses that can occur while swimming, including:

1. Dermatological Issues: These may arise from infections contracted from others swimming nearby, exposure to high chlorine levels in the water, or excessive sunlight causing skin and hair damage. Some diseases that can cause genital infections through pool water contact include gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted infections.

2. Ear, Nose, and Throat Infections: Ingesting pool water or inhaling it can transfer germs into the nose, throat, and sinuses. Notably, meningococcal infections can progress rapidly to severe conditions such as sepsis.

3. Eye Infections: Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is easily contracted while swimming. This condition often peaks in spring and summer and can spread rapidly if not properly managed. Symptoms of conjunctivitis may include:

Excessive tearing.
Redness, itching, and swelling of the eyes.
Eye pain, a gritty sensation, and discomfort.
Increased sensitivity to light.
White discharge.
Yellow or green crust from the eyes.
Sudden blurred vision.

4. Gastrointestinal Illnesses, especially diarrhea. The culprits behind digestive issues while swimming often include parasites such as Cryptosporidium or Giardia. You may also come into contact with bacteria like E. coli or Shigella. To protect yourself, avoid swallowing water while swimming. To protect others, do not swim if experiencing diarrhea.

5. Drowning: Children who are inexperienced swimmers or not closely supervised by adults are at higher risk of drowning.

6. Ear Infections: It is quite common for water to enter the ear, nose, and throat area while swimming. Although this is usually temporary and the water drains out, discomfort can arise if water becomes trapped in the ear canal, leading to bacterial and fungal growth in the moist environment. While bacterial infections may resolve on their own, they can cause significant swelling, pain, and itching, and are more prevalent in children than adults. Therefore, taking precautions while swimming is crucial. You can clean and dry your ears after swimming with a towel or by using a hairdryer on a low setting.

7. Legionnaires’ Disease: This type of pneumonia, also known as legionellosis, can occur if you inhale bacteria called Legionella. These bacteria thrive in inadequately treated hot tubs and can be inhaled through mist or steam.

8. Rashes: Prolonged immersion in hot tubs can lead to itching and red spots, often caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Generally, hot tubs are harder to keep clean than swimming pools because high temperatures degrade disinfectants like chlorine more quickly, creating a favorable environment for bacterial growth. Therefore, it is essential to shower with soap immediately after using a hot tub and to wash your swimsuit thoroughly.

9. Chemical Infections: If you experience red eyes, throat irritation, or cough after swimming, it may be due to chloramines. These compounds form when pool disinfectants mix with contaminants brought in by swimmers, such as urine, feces, sweat, and dead skin. Thus, showering before and after swimming is vital to prevent this issue.

To ensure children’s safety while swimming, parents should pay attention to the following:

1. Have children see a doctor to check for chronic conditions, especially respiratory, ear, nose, throat issues, or any infectious diseases that may pose a risk while swimming.
2. Choose pools that are not overcrowded and meet hygiene standards. Look for pools with clear water, minimal algae or debris, and no unusual odors. After swimming, pay attention to any unusual skin reactions.
3. Opt for a trained swimming instructor for children from the start to avoid harmful bad habits.
4. Children under 5 years should not stay in the water for more than 30 minutes at a time, while those over 5 years should limit swimming to under 60 minutes.
5. Parents or guardians must supervise children closely while swimming to detect any accidents early.
6. Swim in less crowded pools and choose times when outdoor temperatures are not excessively high.
7. Apply sunscreen.
8. Avoid swimming on a full or overly empty stomach.
9. Engage in light activity for 10 to 15 minutes before entering the pool.
10. Wear goggles and a swim cap to reduce the risk of infections.
11. Swim for a manageable duration and remember to stay hydrated.
12. After swimming, wash thoroughly with soap, rinse eyes, nose, and ears with sterile saline solution, dry the ears, and gargle with saline.
13. If you notice any unusual signs after swimming, consult a doctor.
14. Wear swim goggles to protect your eyes from harmful chemicals in the pool.
15. Use eye drops after swimming to maintain eye moisture and prevent the risk of infection.