![]() Several shortcomings in the current literature were identified in the area of exposure assessment and the characterization of asthma ( 17). In August 2007, a multidisciplinary group of experts evaluated the evidence on childhood asthma and swimming pools to establish future research agendas ( 17). ![]() Asthma is among the most common chronic diseases in children ( 18), and swimming is one of the most practiced sports in western countries ( 19), where sedentarism and obesity are increasing, especially among children ( 20). Despite the conflicting results, there is agreement on the complexity of the potential role of swimming in asthma etiology and the important public health implications ( 1, 15– 17). Studies conducted in Germany ( 11, 12), Italy ( 13), and Spain ( 14) did not find an increased risk of asthma among children attending swimming pools. A recent study conducted in Ireland among 121 boys ( 10) found a significant association between asthma and the number of years attending pools, but not with the frequency of attendance. However, it has been argued that reverse causation may explain these findings, because swimming is a well-tolerated and recommended sport for people with asthma ( 1).Įpidemiological studies conducted in Belgium have found an increased risk of childhood asthma related to both indoor and outdoor swimming pool attendance ( 6– 9). The prevalence of asthma among elite swimmers is also higher than among other elite athletes ( 1, 5). It was previously shown that chronic exposure to the irritant environment of indoor swimming pools was associated with higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms among lifeguards ( 4). The underlying hypothesis is that exposure to disinfectants and disinfection by-products in the swimming pool (probably trichloramine, a strong irritant ) may cause a detrimental effect in the airways of children with a consequent increased risk of developing asthma ( 3). In recent years, several epidemiological studies have suggested that attending chlorinated swimming pools during childhood is a risk factor for developing asthma and other allergic diseases ( 1). On the contrary, swimming appears to be associated with higher lung function and fewer respiratory symptoms, particularly among children with asthma. This prospective longitudinal study on the topic, following 5,738 British children from birth until age 10 years, suggests that swimming does not increase the risk of asthma. Swimming was associated with increased lung function and lower risk of asthma symptoms, especially among children with preexisting respiratory conditions. Children with asthma with a high versus low cumulative swimming had an odds ratio for current asthma at 10 years of 0.34 (0.14–0.80).Ĭonclusions: This first prospective longitudinal study suggests that swimming did not increase the risk of asthma or allergic symptoms in British children. Children with a high versus low cumulative swimming pool attendance from birth to 7 years had an odds ratio of 0.88 (95% confidence interval, 0.56–1.38) and 0.50 (0.28–0.87), respectively, for ever and current asthma at 7 years, and a 0.20 (0.02–0.39) standard deviation increase in the forced midexpiratory flow. Swimming frequency did not increase the risk of any evaluated symptom, either overall or in atopic children. Measurements and Main Results: At age 7 years, more than 50% of the children swam once per week or more. Data for analysis were available for 5,738 children. Spirometry and skin prick testing were performed at 7 to 8 years. Data on rhinitis, wheezing, asthma, eczema, hay fever, asthma medication, and potential confounders were collected through questionnaires at 7 and 10 years. Methods: Data on swimming were collected by questionnaire at 6, 18, 38, 42, 57, 65, and 81 months. ![]() Objectives: To examine whether swimming in infancy and childhood was associated with asthma and allergic symptoms at age 7 and 10 years in a UK longitudinal population-based birth cohort, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Rationale: Cross-sectional studies have reported inconsistent findings for the association between recreational swimming pool attendance and asthma and allergic diseases in childhood.
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