RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis in swimmers: clinical and cytological aspects
JF British Journal of Sports Medicine
JO Br J Sports Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine
SP 54
OP 58
DO 10.1136/bjsm.2009.066456
VO 46
IS 1
A1 Matteo Gelardi
A1 Maria Teresa Ventura
A1 Raffaele Fiorella
A1 Maria Luisa Fiorella
A1 Cosimo Russo
A1 Teresa Candreva
A1 Antonella Carretta
A1 Giovanni Passalacqua
YR 2012
UL http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/46/1/54.abstract
AB Background Rhinitis, either allergic or non-allergic, is frequent in athletes, particularly in swimmers. In this latter case, exposure to chlorine in swimming pools seems to play a relevant role, since it can exacerbate a pre-existing allergic rhinitis (AR) or produce a non-specific irritation. The aim of this study was to detail the clinical and cytological characteristics of rhinitis in swimmers, and to assess the possible role of chlorine-induced symptoms. Methods Elite swimmers with rhinitis symptoms underwent a complete diagnostic work-up, including allergy testing, nasal cytology and anterior rhinomanometry. Those evaluations were repeated after 1 month of use of a nasal clip during swimming. A matched group of asymptomatic swimmers was also studied. A total of 74 swimmers (54 symptomatic and 20 controls), with an age range of 9–21 years, were studied. In the control group, only mild and non-specific findings were observed, and only two had a positive skin test. Results In the symptomatic group, 24 (44%) had AR, and 19 (35%) had a predominant neutrophilic inflammation. The use of a nose clip reduced cellular infiltration and nasal resistances only in the subjects with neutrophilic rhinitis, whereas a clinical improvement was seen also in AR. Conclusion A neutrophilic rhinitis occurs in a large proportion of swimmers. This seems to be irritative in its nature and can be prevented by avoiding the direct contact with chlorinated water.