Asthma

Does swimming in a chlorinated pool increase your chances of developing asthma?

There have been many studies done on both sides of this argument.

A group of Belgian scientists argued that the chemical, chlorine that is used to disinfect the pool, found that it can cause an increase in asthma in children.

 It is not the chlorine that is the problem but what it turns into when combined with organics. The organics are contributed by the bathers in the pool, in the form of sweat, dander, urine and other organics. The organics react with the chlorine and produces nitrogen trichloride; aldehydes halogenated hydrocarbons, chloroform, trihalomethams and chloramines. This is what they claim causes the risk in asthma.

A study conducted by Dr Michael Goodman – an epidemiologist and paediatric physician who teaches at Emory University. He reviewed 25 separate studies that dealt with effect of pool use on asthma this was done over a 2 year period. He suggests that such a correlation of chlorine and asthma does not exist.

The charity – Asthma UK said that there are good and bad aspects of swimming with asthma. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for children with asthma as the warm humid air in the swimming pool is less likely to trigger asthma symptoms.

In Australia it is thought that swimming is great exercise for people with asthma as you breathe in warm moist air rather than the cold dry air that can lead to asthma symptoms. Swimming can also help you develop good breathing practices.

Overall we must remember that any type of exercise is good for our children.

Links
www.theasthmamom.com
www.medicalnewstoday.com
www.asthma.org.uk