Swim "allergy"
Usually when I start swimming after a break, I have some reactions for my first few swims, such as clogged or runny nose, sneezing, etc...like an allergy.
I just recently started swimming again for PR70.3 (don't remind me I don't swim enough), and have had some real SEVERE reactions to the pool water, about 10-12 hours after the swim workout. Basically, I can't breath at all - which impacts every other workout for at least 2-3 days. Because I swim most times in the afternoon, these reactions hit me in the middle of the night, affecting my sleep as well. No bueno.
Any suggestions on how to handle/treat or even prevent it?
I've tried Afrin nose spray as well as saline spray right after swimming (both suggested by my allergist). I cannot swim with nose clip/plug; I tried it for year and it makes me panic even more than usual with my swimming.
Comments
DO you have access to a salt water pool? Our YMCA has one. It still has chlorine but a LOT less. Maybe try taking an over the counter allergy pill like claritian and see how that works for you.
Talk to the pool maintenance people and see if they have changed chem. or had just shocked the pool.
Good luck.
Scott,
Not sure this is an option but are there any other pools that use different chemicals (chlorine vs bromine). Are there any saltwater options available? Maybe inquire if they have changed the protocol or increased the chemical usage in the pool?
Sorry I've got nothing on how to handle this. At least you have a good excuse for not swimming right now.
Salt water pools also are much easier on the sinuses, and the skin.
Yes I totally HATE that after swimming. My symptoms start about an hour after I get out of the pool and I am miserable for the rest of the night. I normally have to take Benadryl or Nyquil for that night. The next day I am back to normal. It usually happens only on swims 2000 yards and greater.
She ended up telling me two things:
1) "you've got the thinnest file I've seen for someone coming here for as long as you have (almost 10 years). Guess you don't get sick much". Mostly true...if I wasn't sick now, I wouldn't be here!
2) "if you hadn't told me how this happened, all indications point to an upper respiratory tract infection". Nice.
So, now I'm going on prednazone oral steroids for five days and also have a different nose spray to use pre- and post-swim. We'll see if it helps!
I'll swim again tomorrow and use the Dymista nose spray pre- and post-swim and see if it helps!
Scott that's great! Sleep is critical.