Run Time: 4 minutes
Author: Suzanne Chilton M.D.
Educational Pearls:
- SIPE or SWIPE stands for Swimming Induced Pulmonary Edema and usually occurs in young people without previous pulmonary problems or CHF.
- Happens more often in cold water, and could be a combination of increased cardiac output, increased permeability of capillary bed and increased pressure in capillary bed.
- Presents either during the swim or after the swim – most patients will be hypoxic and have to be pulled out of the water. Patients will have rales and can have hemoptysis.
- Treatment is symptomatic, most episodes resolve in 12-24 hours, but patients have an increased risk of recurrence in the future.
- Another swimming related issue is shallow water syncope – which happens in people who are extremely good swimmers.
- Generally happens when the patient is trying to hold their breath underwater for a long period of time.
- Hypercarbia is what causes the urge to breath, and good swimmers can resist this urge. Up to the point that they suddenly become hypoxic, lose consciousness, and may drown.
Link to Podcast: http://medicalminute.madewithopinion.com/sipe/
References: http://www.endurancetriathletes.com/sipe.html
http://ndpa.org/loss-of-consciousness-in-breath-holding-swimmers/
Emergency Medical Minute 