Cystic fibrosis, or CF, is a disease that affects your secretory glands, the effect being seen mainly in the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, sinuses and sex organs. Mucus is produced by the body to keep the tissues of organs moist and protected from infection, and, in healthy individuals, it has a slippery, watery consistency. Cystic fibrosis patients have mucus that is thick and sticky, and this can block tubes from the lungs and pancreas. After consultation with a doctor, children with CF may be able to engage in various physical activities including swimming, but care has to be taken to ensure the pools used are properly maintained to minimize the risk of infections.
CF and Your Lungs
When mucus builds up in your lungs, it provides a fertile environment for bacterial growth. This can lead to frequent infections that can damage your lungs. A common infection seen in CF patients is the pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. Aggressive antibiotic treatment will clear the infection, but over time the bacteria will no longer respond and the infection becomes permanent, causing severe lung damage and sometimes leading to respiratory failure and even death. Keeping your child away from areas where these bacteria are prevalent is important. The bacteria thrive in moist areas, so choose your child's swimming venue with care.
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in the Water
According to a 2009 report in "Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology," pseudomonas aeruginosa is a naturally occurring pathogen and is sometimes found in hot tubs, whirlpools, water slides and swimming pools that have inadequate chlorine levels. Rivers and lakes are also common breeding grounds for these bacteria. It is considered to be resistant to many types of disinfectants, but appears to be susceptible to chlorine. If your CF child is going swimming, check to make sure that the pool is properly maintained, the chlorine content is adequate and there is no presence of pseudomonas aeruginosa. A pool that is serviced regularly should be safe for your child to swim in.
Can Swimming Help Children With CF?
A study published in "Lancet" in 1981 evaluated the effect of swimming on 10 children with cystic fibrosis. The children took part in a seven-week swimming program, and researchers found that the amount of sputum produced increased on the days the children swam. It was concluded that swimming regularly can help children with CF to clear mucus and have better lung function. Choosing a safe pool for your child will allow you to have the benefit of swimming without the threat of bacterial infection.
Consideration
A 2010 report in the "International Journal of Pediatrics" indicated that, regardless of the severity of the disease, CF patients can increase their cardiopulmonary fitness and slow the progression of the disease with exercise training. Swimming, an aerobic exercise, is one activity that can help. Talk to your doctor and check the maintenance status of your chosen pool before starting your child on a swimming program.
References
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute; Cystic Fibrosis; March 2009
- "Medical News Today"; Infection Fighting Stragegy in Cystic Fibrosis; William Allstetter; June 3, 2005
- "Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology": Pseudomonas Aeruginosa; K. Mena, et al.; 2009
- Cystic Fibrosis Trust: Risk From Pools and Saunas
- "The Lancet"; Effects of Swimming in Cystic Fibrosis; M. Zack, et al.; Nov. 28, 1981
