Using a PEP-device to treat swimming-induced pulmonary edema

Evaluation of Positive Expiratory Pressure Device (PEP-device) for Treatment of Swimming Induced Pulmonary Edema (SIPE) - a Randomized Single-blinded Controlled Study

Not applicable Interventional Dalarna County Council, Sweden · NCT05227222

This study is testing if using a special breathing device for 20 minutes can help swimmers recover faster from swimming-induced pulmonary edema compared to not using the device.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDalarna County Council, Sweden Academic / other
Locations1 site (Falun)
Trial IDNCT05227222 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device in treating swimming-induced pulmonary edema (SIPE) in patients who are not hypoxic. It aims to determine if using the PEP-device for 20 minutes can accelerate recovery compared to spontaneous recovery in a large cohort of swimmers during a major open water event in Sweden. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive treatment with the PEP-device or to a control group with no active treatment, with outcomes assessed shortly after. The goal is to provide an effective treatment option for SIPE that can be administered outside of a hospital setting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have a clinical diagnosis of SIPE and an oxygen saturation of 92% or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with severe asthma requiring beta-agonist treatment, suspected acute coronary syndrome, or those who are hemodynamically unstable will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a rapid and effective way to manage SIPE, reducing the need for emergency care.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence on the optimal treatment for SIPE, this approach using a PEP-device is novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* clinical diagnosis of swimming induced pulmonary edema (SIPE) with need of acute treatment
* peripheral oxygen saturation ≥92%
* 18 years or older
* informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* declined consent
* suspected acute coronary syndrome
* severe asthma diagnosed together with pulmonary edema with requirement of beta-agonist-inhalation prior to treatment of pulmonary edema
* hemodynamic instability or decreased consciousness

Where this trial is running

Falun

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Swimming Induced Pulmonary EdemaPulmonary EdemaLung Diseasespositive expiratory pressuretherapeuticsultrasonographyoximetry
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.