Swimming-Induced Pulmonary Edema

BACKGROUND: Swimming-induced pulmonary edema (SIPE) occasionally occurs during swimming in cold open water. Although optimal treatment for SIPE is unknown, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) is an option for prehospital treatment. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is NPPV a feasible and safe prehospital treatment for SIPE, and which outcome measures reflect recovery after treatment? STUDY DESIGN AND RESULTS: from a median of 91% to 97% (P < .0001) together with improvement of six patient-reported respiratory symptoms (median numerical rating scales, 1-7 to 0-1; P < .0001). No significant decrease in auscultation of crackles (93% vs 87%; P = .508) or pulmonary edema on LUS (100% vs 97%; P = .500) was seen during NPPV treatment. INTERPRETATION: and patient-reported respiratory symptoms reflected recovery after treatment, whereas pulmonary auscultation or LUS findings did not.