Hi fellow Masters. I'm new to the forum and actually to swimming distances as opposed to splashing around. My sinuses load up with water while I'm swimming laps and it takes a day or so to drain it out. I bend over like to tie my shoe and it runs out of my nose. So far I've seen people talk about allergic reactions that irritate sinuses etc. but this really isn't that. I don't seem to have any trouble with inhaling water through nose or mouth so I'm kinda stumped. Thanks for your help.
you just need to develop a simple skill of maintaining positive nostril pressure at times where otherwise water will pour in
Some experienced swimmers might forget this since they learned this as a child and this is second nature But someone as myself that learned as an adult then yes you just have to learn how to do this.
although I still use a clip for backstroke, a good way to learn is using a snorkel without nose clamp
At timpes however when sinuses are inflamed positive nasal pressure ability can be hindered
But nevertheless I do remember sitting at dinner table after a swim when all of a sudden at least 75cc of pool waterstarted to drain
Hi Patrick
After 22 years of doing masters, and definitely knowing how to control my nostrils and breathing, I experienced a year of one sinus infection after another. I did all the usual things, visit a doctor, try a neti-pot, take allergy meds, you name it! I finally relented and bought a nose plug, which I had been very opposed to. Took me about 5 workouts to get the hang of it, and now I won't swim without one. I swim all 4 strokes with it, compete with it on, etc. so if you find that you just can't seem to close off those nasal passages, go spend $2 on a nose plug. BTW, the sinus problems stopped immediately. and added bonus is getting more distance out of my back turn and flip turn, and much better distance underwater off my backstroke start.
Hi Patrick
After 22 years of doing masters, and definitely knowing how to control my nostrils and breathing, I experienced a year of one sinus infection after another. I did all the usual things, visit a doctor, try a neti-pot, take allergy meds, you name it! I finally relented and bought a nose plug, which I had been very opposed to. Took me about 5 workouts to get the hang of it, and now I won't swim without one. I swim all 4 strokes with it, compete with it on, etc. so if you find that you just can't seem to close off those nasal passages, go spend $2 on a nose plug. BTW, the sinus problems stopped immediately. and added bonus is getting more distance out of my back turn and flip turn, and much better distance underwater off my backstroke start.
Cokie, ditto, except I was swimming masters for 36 years and was tired of not being able to breath through my nose and chronic sinus infections. Nose plugs totally solved my problems.
BTW, they've stopped making the wire and flesh colored Speedo plugs and the new blue ones are worthless. I wish I had stocked up. Best fit for me now are the Rothhammers (size small)
Cokie, ditto, except I was swimming masters for 36 years and was tired of not being able to breath through my nose and chronic sinus infections. Nose plugs totally solved my problems.
BTW, they've stopped making the wire and flesh colored Speedo plugs and the new blue ones are worthless. I wish I had stocked up. Best fit for me now are the Rothhammers (size small)
I used speedo nose clip when I had sinus infection but I couldn't get used to it - I was gasping all the time and another thing I didn't like was some water which was still getting into my nose.
This may sound basic, but can you always blow air out of your nose? If not, then that is why you are getting water up/in there.Try slowly blowing air out of your nose face down ,then try that same thing under water with your face up.
Hi fellow Masters. I'm new to the forum and actually to swimming distances as opposed to splashing around. My sinuses load up with water while I'm swimming laps and it takes a day or so to drain it out. I bend over like to tie my shoe and it runs out of my nose. So far I've seen people talk about allergic reactions that irritate sinuses etc. but this really isn't that. I don't seem to have any trouble with inhaling water through nose or mouth so I'm kinda stumped. Thanks for your help.
This is a normal reaction to the chlorine. Use a neti pot, or throw saltwater up the nostrils after each swim. It can be avoided by using a nose clip, which some are able to adapt to successfully.
My sinuses load up with water while I'm swimming laps and it takes a day or so to drain it out. I bend over like to tie my shoe and it runs out of my nose.
had this problem also. now i wear flip flops.
Two words: Nose Plug. I started wearing one to work on my underwaters in backstroke. An unanticipated benefit was that I was not sneezy and plugged up after practice. It does take some getting used to and your breathing will adjust cuz you aren't using your nose but the best way to prevent symptoms is to keep the irritant outta there.
