Sore Chest and Swimming

Assuming that a sore chest after swimming is not caused by muscle pain or a viral or bacterial infection, chlorine-induced asthma may be the culprit. A sore chest after swimming laps may be indicative of severe inflammation of the lung tissue due to asthma-like symptoms caused by the inhalation of chlorinated water in swimming pools. Always consult a respiratory specialist for symptoms that do not clear within a reasonable amount of time or if breathing is impaired.
Chlorination of Swimming Pools
Chlorination used in pools can induce breathing problems, including asthma and inflammation of the airways. A study published in the May 2011 issue of the "Journal of Science and Medicine in Sports" investigated the link of chlorine exposure and the incidence of asthma and allergy-related illnesses in more than 1,100 adult recreational swimmers. The researchers found a significant correlation of the time spent in chlorinated pools to the frequency of bronchial inflammation. The study concluded that swimming in chlorinated pools may be a risk factor for developing asthma and other breathing difficulties.
Asthma in Swimmers
Competitive swimmers have an increased risk for the development of asthma, according to a study published in the August 2010 issue of the "Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports." The authors compared the incidences of asthma in competitive swimmers to those of age-matched nonswimmers and found a significant increase in the frequency of the condition. Of the competitive swimmers, 30 percent reported asthma symptoms, compared with only 16 percent of the nonswimming control population.
Symptoms of Chlorine Exposure
Long-term exposure to low levels of chlorine gas in swimming pools can also result in wheezing, coughing, and rales, which is a rattling sound caused by congestion of the lung tissue. A study reported in the July 2010 issue of "Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society" investigated the effects of chlorine exposure on lung tissue. The researchers found an increased rate of acute respiratory distress syndrome and stated that up to 1 percent of these individuals will die from this condition. The authors concluded that treatment of ARDS should include humidified oxygen and beta-blockers to inhibit lung inflammation and to prevent premature death.
Exhaled Nitric Oxide
A study included in the December 2009 issue of "BMC Pulmonary Medicine," explored the relationship of airway inflammation and exhaled nitric oxide in swimmers as a measurement of lung function after exposure to chlorinated water. The researchers evaluated 39 lifeguards and found that more than one-third of them had inflammation of the lung tissue and decreased lung volumes of at least 20 percent. The study concluded that increases of exhaled nitric oxide were indicative of lung inflammation.