Careful swimming for people with oral cancer: attention during treatment and recovery

Swimming is a popular sport, not only able to exercise, but also brings pleasure. However, for people with oral cancer, participation in the campaign is determined by their specific treatment and state of health. The treatment of oral cancer may include surgery, treatment and chemotherapy, which have a direct impact on the patient ‘ s physical condition.The sensitivity of the oral and larynx is likely to increase during the course of the treatment, as it causes damage to normal cells, resulting in mucous inflammation, pain and difficulty of swallowing. At this point, if the patient chooses to swim, the chemicals in the water, particularly chlorine, which is prevalent in public swimming pools, may stimulate the mouth and throat, causing discomfort and even pain. Thus, during treatment, oral cancer patients should avoid swimming, especially in public swimming pools, to reduce unnecessary irritation and discomfort.After the operation, dental cancer usually enters a recovery period. The healing of wounds is particularly important at this stage when the patient has undergone surgery in the mouth. When swimming, bacteria and other potentially harmful substances in water may increase the risk of infection, thereby affecting the normal healing of wounds. Therefore, before the wound is fully healed, the patient should avoid swimming to avoid unnecessary complications.This does not mean, however, that people with oral cancer are completely excluded from any hydrotherapy activities after the recovery period. Following the advice and guidance of the doctor, the patient may try appropriate hydrotherapy activities after the recovery period, such as warm water swimming or water rehabilitation training. These activities are usually carried out in a well-controlled environment, where water quality is properly addressed and the risk of infection is reduced. Swimming in warm water helps to relax muscles and ease pain, while rehabilitation training in water can increase strength and flexibility without placing excessive stress on joints and muscles. In addition, floating in water reduces weight pressure on joints and helps to improve blood circulation and metabolism.Before carrying out any hydrotherapy activities, persons with oral cancer should communicate adequately with doctors to ensure that they do not have a negative impact on treatment outcomes. The doctor gives professional advice based on the patient ‘ s specific circumstances, such as the stage of treatment, the healing of the wound and the overall state of health. If the doctor believes that hydrotherapy activities are possible, the patient should also choose a regular swimming pool or rehabilitation centre to ensure water quality safety and avoid the risk of infection.In addition to the doctor ‘ s recommendation, oral cancer patients should take some precautions when participating in hydrotherapy activities. For example, before and after swimming, mouths should be completely cleaned to avoid chemical and bacteriological residues in water. In addition, patients should avoid swimming in crowded public swimming pools to reduce the risk of infection. The choice of a private or family pool would be safer if conditions permitted.In short, the ability of people with oral cancer to swim depends on their state of treatment and physical condition. During treatment and post-operative recovery, patients should avoid swimming to reduce the risk of infection and stimulation. However, after the recovery period, with the advice and guidance of a doctor, some suitable hydrotherapy activities can be tried to promote physical rehabilitation. Whenever involved in hydrotherapy activities, patients should take the necessary precautions to ensure safety and health.