[Swimming-induced pulmonary edema in Swedish conditions has been insufficiently studied].

Swimming-induced pulmonary edema (SIPE) has been described in sports and military medicine during strenuous swimming in open water. Symptoms include dyspnea, cough, frothy mucus and hemoptysis. Hypertension, a tight wetsuit, overhydration and previous episodes of SIPE are suggested risk factors. Immediate interruption of swimming prevents more serious symptoms. In the open water race at Vansbro 2016, 69 swimmers (of 13,878 in total) were treated for symptoms suspected for SIPE. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was successfully used to treat suspected SIPE in 46 patients in the on-site emergency care center. Open water swimming races are increasingly popular and also attract many unexperienced swimmers. There is a need of validated guidelines for organizers of open water races, swimmers and health professionals.