Runny nose after swimming

Former Member
Former Member
Every time after a swim workout I get a runny nose, which seems to result from my nose and maybe my sinuses becoming dry. I've tried several things - using a nose clip while swimming, using a neti pot afterwards, and using an allergy relief spray with natural ingredients, but to no avail. For much of the rest of the day I'll be sniffling, having to blow my nose and it will be dripping. Some days are worse than others, but it can also interfere a little with my sleep. I really want to get into a regular routine of swim workouts, but this is getting in my way of being productive after I'm done swimming that day. Other than this, I have no problems breathing or anything like that. Any advice on how to treat or prevent this? Would taking a hot shower after I get home do the trick?
Parents
  • My theory is that this is caused by the sinuses becoming irritated (burned) by the pool water and chemicals. I use a saline spray after swimming (Ocean brand) and before bed and it seems to help reduce (but not completely eliminate) the length of time and the extent of sinus irritation from swimming. I think some pool water quality is easier to tolerate than is others. I usually have trapped water draining out of my sinuses and nose for a few hours after an ocean swim. Not sure why that doesn't happen in the pool, but trapped water doesn't seem to be an issue after swimming in a pool.
Reply
  • My theory is that this is caused by the sinuses becoming irritated (burned) by the pool water and chemicals. I use a saline spray after swimming (Ocean brand) and before bed and it seems to help reduce (but not completely eliminate) the length of time and the extent of sinus irritation from swimming. I think some pool water quality is easier to tolerate than is others. I usually have trapped water draining out of my sinuses and nose for a few hours after an ocean swim. Not sure why that doesn't happen in the pool, but trapped water doesn't seem to be an issue after swimming in a pool.
Children
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