I have found that the evenings after I swim my sinuses shut down and I have to hit the Afrin in order to breath and to avoid snoring all night (otherwise my wife kicks me to the basement). I swim in a bromine pool - grew up swimming in chlorine and didn't have this issue. I hear that long-term use of sprays like Afrin will eventually melt your brain. So I need to find an alternative - anyone run into this?
By the way, I've seen allergists and regular doctors. The allergist told me the bromine is an irritant and I should avoid swimming - not much of a choice. The doctor gave me some saline spray that doesn't work.
Sounds like you might want to consult an ENT MD. Chlorine is a known irritant for those with sinus problems but I can't speak for the effects of bromine. An ENT would be best suited to handle this for you...that is their area of expertise.
As for the melting of the brain...I think not.
I had the same problem, these might help
Use nose clip in backstroke
Continuous breath-out (both mouth and nose) during the flip turns
Keep the entire body (especailly head) warm after the practice (never stay in a cold place after the practice)
No carpets in the bedroom and at the office
good luck
Overuse of a decongestant nose spray will indeed eventually produce a kickback effect to further inflame your sinuses. I use an oral sinus decongestant pill that works really well.
What doe your sinus issue? eschew? atchoo?
I was having problems with recurring sinus infections until I started using a nose clip. I adjusted to it quickly, and I haven't had any problems since.
(if you'll notice, even my avatar appears to be wearing one...)
I use a saline spray after swims...not to be gross but the pool dries me up.
A hot soup or drink will cause my nose to run after a swim too. You can also use an neti pot to irrigate and flush your bugle any time. Some others here swear by it..
Thanks SwimStud - I've tried both of those but well after my workout - like in the evening when I'm having my problem. So maybe a little preventative use would work - right after swimming. I'll give it a shot.
Thanks again.
The doctor gave me some saline spray that doesn't work.
A doc here that swims recommended that I use the saline spray just before getting in and right after getting out of the pool. It seemed to help.
My sinuses simply would not stop running or sneezing or allow easy breathing. I was sooooo resistant to using nose clips::shakeshead: : . But I HAD to try something! The nose clips were much easier to get used to than I could have imagined. Now I won't swim without them, and have several in my gear bag in case I lose that one I thought I had not lost!
