I have a problem. Although these sorts of cause-effect links are difficult to verify, I’m pretty sure that swimming is the cause of my frequent and very irritating nasal congestion, accompanied often by itchy nose and eyes. I took several days off from the pool and the condition largely vanished. Swam one evening and the next morning, boom, full-on allergic reaction.
Anybody else experience this? The pool I swim at is indoor and not well-ventilated. Could this be a factor? I took up tri (and swimming) two years ago and really love the sport. I don’t want to give it up!
Typically caused by chlorine irritating the mucus membranes.
The non-drug solution is Nose clip (and for some, earplugs). Another solution for some (but typically less effect for most allergic reactions) is a saline flush of the sinus caveties.
The drug solution is OTC available Allegra-D.
I prefer a well fitting nose-clip (sometimes I line the nostrils with vaseline to help with the sealing out of water). Btw, buy a large supply of nose clips… they don’t last long with exposure to the chlorine.
I have the same problem when swimming in pool or ocean. I usually use a allergy nasal spray (Sinex) before I go out. On the upside for me is that cycling and running cause my sinus’s and nose to draing. So the overall effect is a clear head.
Apparently I am the strange one of the lot. I only get congested with itchy watery eyes after swimming in ponds and lakes. I can swim all day in a pool with no problems. Drop me into walden pond in MA for a while and within about 4-6 hours I am a wreck. Sudafed allergy does seem to help, but I don’t like taking drugs if I don’t have to.