Pulmonary oedema precipitated by cold water swimming.

Abstract

The case is reported of a physically fit man, who, while training for a triathlon, developed pulmonary oedema secondary to swimming in cold water. Pulmonary oedema is usually caused by a combination of exercise and cold water, resulting in an increase in cardiac preload and after load, which causes an increase in pulmonary capillary pressure. Most cases improve spontaneously and quickly with no recurrence of symptoms.