Swimming-induced congestion

I was getting recurring sinus infections until I tried a nose clip. I used to breathe out thru my nose as well, and it took me all of two laps w/ the clip to learn not to do that. Swimming without the sinus problems is worth looking a little dorky. I couldn't agree more!! I resisted the nose clip idea for similar reasons that many people might have -- I breathed through my nose, I might look dorky, the clip might be uncomfortable or fall off or.... any number of reasons. My nasal issues were not improving without nose clips so I gave them a try. I have never looked back:applaud: I had found my cure and do not need to put medidcated anything in or up my nostrils. The clip is VERY easy to get used to.

I had this problem when I started back doing laps. Here is what fixed this for me withOUT drowsiness 1. Flonase - comes in generic now. 2. Loratadine - That is generic for Claratin - over the counter I have allergies that are irritated by the clorine.

I don't want to get too off track with topic, discussing causes or other points, but... Craig, I thought you could be allergic to anything, not just things with proteins. I suspect that it is more of a pH problem with the pool I swim in, rather than chlorine, anyway. The other day, my skin started itching, as well. I have very few options on where I swim. This is the closest indoor pool and it's 30 miles away! I'm sold on the solution of a nose clip/plug, though. Thanks for you suggestion, ensignada. I saw those in my search, but I will double check them and get those or whichever one I can get the easiest.

I couldn't agree more!! I resisted the nose clip idea for similar reasons that many people might have -- I breathed through my nose, I might look dorky, the clip might be uncomfortable or fall off or.... any number of reasons. My nasal issues were not improving without nose clips so I gave them a try. I have never looked back:applaud: I had found my cure and do not need to put medidcated anything in or up my nostrils. The clip is VERY easy to get used to.This was exactly my thoughts, too, Nancy. Does anyone know how to select the right size? I'm about 6', with a "normal" size nose, so I'm guessing a large Speedo clip like the ones synchronized swimmers use? I saw those for about $4. I'm open to any other suggestions of brands, though. To throw in my two cents on the cause, at least in my case, I believe it is a chemical irritation from excessive pool water exposure, not really an allergy. I swim 8 to 10 hours per week. If I do a short swim, I don't have any problem, but if I do my normal two hour swim, it bothers me until the next morning, sometimes longer.

After trying several kinds, I found Laxto nose clips to work the best for me. These things do not fall off and seal your nose completely. They come in three sizes. I have and medium size pug nose and wear the average size). I think I wear them upside down, but it works for me. Here's what they look like: www.laxtonoseclips.zoomshare.com/0.html Lots of on-line stores carry them.

Chlorine isn't an allergen because it has no protein. What is an allergen is the byproduct produced by urine and chlorine mixing. So the pool could possible have a water filtration system or a chlorination system that isn't working. A very likely possibility is that you aren't doing your turn quickly enough. Many tend to believe this to be more the cause than a pool problem. i have this problem. A nose clip has solved it.

I began swimming a few months ago and I developed terrible sinus congestion that would last for days after swimming. This week I finally got relief, as KeatherSwim suggested I eased up on how much and how hard I was exhaling through my nose and I started using a neti pot to flush my sinuses after I swim. These two changes made a HUGE difference for me. I went from miserable congestion 24/7 to clear sinuses over night. The neti pot was a little weird to use at first but it's really easy and is now my new best friend.