I am having trouble with an asthmatic reaction to chlorine in the pool when I swim laps. Any advice on how to manage this type of reaction? I want to keep swimming.
Parents
Former Member
First of all, make sure your asthma is well controlled before trying to swim. Well controlled means that (excluding exercise) you use your rescue inhaler no more than twice per week. If your asthma isn't that great when you head into the pool, you are going to run into trouble from the chlorine, and likely to get into an exercise induced asthma attack as well. If you are having a bad day, don't swim. Trust me, besides freaking out the life guards out life guards (who often know nothing about asthma), you will make yourself much worse.
Next, before you to go the pool, pre-treat yourself with your rescue inhaler (most likely albuterol). This can help to prevent attacks and help you tolerate the chlorine and exercise better.
Finally, try out different pools if this is an option. I know I have a lot more trouble when the bubble is on our local pool than I do at a regular in door pool. Out door pools seem to be the best. Also, different pools use different amounts of chlorine. look for one that uses less chlorine and is out doors.
First of all, make sure your asthma is well controlled before trying to swim. Well controlled means that (excluding exercise) you use your rescue inhaler no more than twice per week. If your asthma isn't that great when you head into the pool, you are going to run into trouble from the chlorine, and likely to get into an exercise induced asthma attack as well. If you are having a bad day, don't swim. Trust me, besides freaking out the life guards out life guards (who often know nothing about asthma), you will make yourself much worse.
Next, before you to go the pool, pre-treat yourself with your rescue inhaler (most likely albuterol). This can help to prevent attacks and help you tolerate the chlorine and exercise better.
Finally, try out different pools if this is an option. I know I have a lot more trouble when the bubble is on our local pool than I do at a regular in door pool. Out door pools seem to be the best. Also, different pools use different amounts of chlorine. look for one that uses less chlorine and is out doors.
