[LookiLoo]

So I've been dealing with sinus/asthma/etc issues for the past few months and it has been beyond frustrating. This is typically a bad time of year for me and allergies, but it's been way worse this year. I've seen my regular doctors, and today I finally went to see and ENT. He said what I've suspected all along - he thinks that I'm dealing with 'swimmer's sinusitus' due to some chemical in the pool that is irritating me. Basically, it's not that I'm allergic to the chemicals, but I'm having an 'allergic reaction' b/c my body doesn't like something in the pool.<br><br>
Has anyone had to deal with this? I know we have a lot of swimmers here, so I'm thinking I'm not the only one? <img alt="confused.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/confused.gif"> I'm currently swimming 3x / week, and while nasonex and allegra d have helped some, it's still an issue. The ENT gave me a different spray today (nasal antihistimine, starts with an 'a', I don't remember the name), but he basically said we'll have to just keep trying different meds until I find something that works. I *hate* being on constant medication - I'm wondering if there isn't a more natural approach to dealing with this?

 

[Yo Mikey]

I too suffer from allergies and this next couple of months is the worst for me. I have recently been using a Neti Pot for daily rinsing of my sinuses. For me it's good for getting all the pollutants, pollens, etc. out.<br><br>
I perfomed saline rinses when I happened to get sinus infections, mainly from the pool, and found out there was actually a 'thing' to help in rinsing the sinuses. Yahoo!<br><br>
It's one suggestion.

 

[em73]

I wonder if using a body wash designed to remove chlorine from your skin would also help? That way the chlorine is not on your body any longer than necessary. I use Moulton's SportWash, I'm sure there's others out there.

 

[Tri-Tammy]

Same thing here so I use a nose clip. Dorky I know. But at least I'm not sick all of the time.

 

[muzicgrl]

I have the same problem. I just assumed I was allergic to chlorine. Whenever I swim I am miserable for hours afterwards. I had to result to medication also. <img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif">

 

[LookiLoo]

<br>
From what I understand, it's actually quite rare to be allergic to chlorine, and if you are it usually presents as a nasty skin rash. Your body can just react to irritants in the same way it does to a normal allergy. Frustrating!<br><br>
I actually have a coworker who is constantly singing the praises of the neti pot - those things scare me...I do not like the idea of pouring stuff through my nose! <img alt="uhoh2.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/uhoh2.gif">

 

[Doug33]

From your description, it appears that you have a worse case of sensitivity than I do. For me, I get these sneezing fits for a couple of hours after swimming, then I am stuffed up until the next morning. I swim at night and the problem is gone by morning. My reaction is similar to pollen allergies. I just blow my nose and rock on.

 

[donskiman]

I had the problem too. Used various medications, but didn't like the side effects of some. Started using a nose clip. Problem solved. Didn't like the nose clip at first, but adapted after a couple sessions. I only use the nose clip in pools - open water does not present any problems.<br><br>
So - inexpensive nose clip vs. expensive and unnecessary medications? No brainer for me!

 

[Doug33]

I am assuming that you nose clip wearers are breathing AND exhaling thru your mouth?

 

[LookiLoo]

<br>
That may be a problem for me - I'm very accustomed to exhaling through my nose; it would take some re-learning!

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

Do you have other options?

 

[MBannon]

Did you see this article? <a href="http://www.emagazine.com/view/?4120" target="_blank">http://www.emagazine.com/view/?4120</a>

 

[LookiLoo]

Ba!! That's scary...<img alt="uhoh2.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/uhoh2.gif">

 

[muzicgrl]

Hmm...I guess I assumed that because I also reacted (though not quite as violently) to the water in my house (ie shower) in one town I lived in...<br><br>
I end up with an uncontrollable runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, etc when I swim...yet I still swim.