I've started swimming recently. I swim 3-4 days a week, and I'm enjoying it very much. I am experiencing one problem, however, that I would like to overcome if possible. Typically after swimming, my nose gets very stuffy, and this can last for as long as a day or two. It can be pretty uncomfortable, and others notice it when I speak. It's especially bad if I do a lot of backstroke or otherwise get a few good splashes up my nose.
Any suggestions will be appreciated, especially from fellow sufferers.
Parents
Former Member
This is pretty common, and as you suspect is caused by pool water in your sinuses. There are several solutions, only one or two of which (I think) really works.
The best is to swim in another pool. An outdoor pool is usually better, but a well-maintained pool with good chemistry (and perhaps not too much use) is what you should be looking for.
The next best is to get some nose clips. You can get these at a store that has a fairly good collection of stuff for competitive swimmers. I believe there are two types, one with an elastic rubber band that goes around your neck, another that sits on your nose all by itself, and is often used by synchronized swimmers. From previous postings I gather most swimmers prefer the latter. For some reason (I can't imagine why) these do not stay on my own particular nose very well, while the one with the strap does (or at least I don't worry about losing it.)
You will get used to nose clips pretty quick, especially if you are really suffering the rest of the day. I remember when I was a lot worse than "very stuffy." I will spare you the gross details.
Another recommended solution is a sinus wash with a saline solution. I haven't worked up the nerve or the organization for this, especially since the clips work pretty well.
Other people like various drugs, such as anti-histamines (sp?) while others say that it is not an allergy, but instead an irritation of the nasal passages, so these drugs are ineffective. I'm agnostic about whether or not it is an allergy - it feels and acts like one - but what do I know? Anyway, this seems like an expensive solution, and violates my own principle of drugs as a last resort.
A couple of other regular posters have had lots of experience with this problem. I hope my notes help, and good luck.
This is pretty common, and as you suspect is caused by pool water in your sinuses. There are several solutions, only one or two of which (I think) really works.
The best is to swim in another pool. An outdoor pool is usually better, but a well-maintained pool with good chemistry (and perhaps not too much use) is what you should be looking for.
The next best is to get some nose clips. You can get these at a store that has a fairly good collection of stuff for competitive swimmers. I believe there are two types, one with an elastic rubber band that goes around your neck, another that sits on your nose all by itself, and is often used by synchronized swimmers. From previous postings I gather most swimmers prefer the latter. For some reason (I can't imagine why) these do not stay on my own particular nose very well, while the one with the strap does (or at least I don't worry about losing it.)
You will get used to nose clips pretty quick, especially if you are really suffering the rest of the day. I remember when I was a lot worse than "very stuffy." I will spare you the gross details.
Another recommended solution is a sinus wash with a saline solution. I haven't worked up the nerve or the organization for this, especially since the clips work pretty well.
Other people like various drugs, such as anti-histamines (sp?) while others say that it is not an allergy, but instead an irritation of the nasal passages, so these drugs are ineffective. I'm agnostic about whether or not it is an allergy - it feels and acts like one - but what do I know? Anyway, this seems like an expensive solution, and violates my own principle of drugs as a last resort.
A couple of other regular posters have had lots of experience with this problem. I hope my notes help, and good luck.
