Interview with Dr. Apostol Ana Maria (ENT specialist)
Through the kindness of Mrs. Doctor Apostol Ana Maria – ENT specialist, we want to provide you with information and medical recommendations regarding the impact of aquatic education activity on ENT conditions.
We would like to mention that the doctor also holds a BLOGS extremely interesting where you can ask specific questions to which you will certainly receive a prompt and informed answer.
Many of the questions below arose as a result of discussions with Acvatic Bebe Club clients, an opportunity we would like to take to thank them for the trust they have placed in becoming reliable partners in the harmonious development of their children.
We hope that the answers provided by a medical professional will clarify the main aspects of interest to you, otherwise, please do not hesitate to write to us to get back with additions.
- What is the influence of the aquatic environment on ENT disorders (e.g. does it maintain mucus or, on the contrary, help to release it)?
The humid, aquatic environment maintains hydration of the nasal mucosa, which can make us feel like we're breathing better because as soon as we go outside, into the fresh air, our nasal mucosa dries out and we feel stuffy.
But… this hydration of the nasal mucosa by the water in the pool has a beneficial effect if the water is clean, sterile and at a fairly warm temperature (over 30 degrees), so as not to stress the nose by having a temperature that is too cold because the nose would immediately become blocked because it has to stand to warm the cold water that comes to its level. The water in the pool can have an astringent effect on the nasal mucosa and a fluidizing effect on intranasal secretions, thus favoring the elimination of secretions from the nose more easily.
- Can we offer parents medical recommendations/arguments for continuing aquatic education activities during the cold season? Many stop swimming, arguing that water promotes the creation of mucus, which can lead to otitis media or other diseases.
Even if we are in the cold season, we can continue swimming BUT… we must be careful about sudden changes in body temperature, therefore the water in the pool must be warm, the air in the room where the pool is located must also be at a warm temperature, similar to the water in the pool, and in the locker room we must quickly dry our body and especially our hair, completely. We must not go outside with wet hair.
After drying off, we should stay in the pool building for about 10 minutes to allow our body temperature to balance with the air temperature. If we suddenly go from a warm, humid environment to a cold, dry environment, the body can be slightly unbalanced and the nasal mucosa can become sensitized, which can lead to nasal discharge or ear pain.
- When a child has recurrent otitis media (2-3 consecutive), when is it recommended to resume activity in the aquatic environment?
Swimming resumes when the ENT doctor confirms that otitis media or external otitis has healed.
It is not the aquatic environment that contributes to the maintenance or worsening of otitis media, but the community, the kindergarten, a place where you sit all day without blowing your nose and where there is a multitude of bacteria.
- In the case of nasal secretions due to allergic rhinitis (without other symptoms), is it advisable to stop activity?
Some swimming pools, due to the disinfectants used, can cause allergic rhinitis, at which point we should change the pool.
- In the case of recurrent bronchitis and laryngitis, can the aquatic environment be suspected?
Bronchitis and laryngitis do not recur due to the aquatic environment, they recur due to the child's allergic background, the community with the non-stop presence of bacteria.
- Do you consider it necessary to interrupt this activity due to a dry or productive cough?
Coughing is a sign of an untreated cold or an allergy, at which point the child should not be taken swimming.
I know many parents who have taken their children in classes swimming in the cold season without catching a cold during that season. Usually during a cold the pool is interrupted for about a week – two at most.
Dr. Apostol Ana Maria
ENT specialist
