People with otolithiasis can swim, but it is not recommended during otolithiasis flare-ups or when the disease is not cured, as the risk of drowning is higher in otolithiasis patients who swim. It is recommended that patients can swim after the disease is cured and accompanied by someone who is supervising them.
Swimming is not recommended for patients with otolithiasis because patients with otolithiasis may experience postural changes such as raising their head, rolling over, and lying on their back while swimming, and the patient may experience induced vertigo when these postural changes occur. If a patient with otolithiasis experiences vertigo while swimming, he or she may not be able to balance and may be at risk of drowning.
It is recommended that patients with otolithiasis require manual repositioning and, if necessary, surgery when symptoms are severe. Manipulation is the treatment of choice for otolithiasis, and most people experience complete relief of symptoms after repositioning. Patients with more severe disease who do not respond well to manipulation also need to be treated with posterior pudendal neurectomy and semicircular canal occlusion.
Therefore, it is generally not recommended that patients with otolithiasis swim, and it is recommended that patients can swim after the disease has been cured, accompanied by someone to supervise the situation.