Greetings, I just joined this group last night (08/14) due to my latest round of allergy attack prompted by swimming. Briefly, I am 61 yrs old, swam distance, some masters, and college intermurals from age 20 - 40. Around 40 I developed allergy to something in the pool, worked with allergy clinic at Ohio State Medical Center. Doc could not figure it out. Was on med for awhile that worked, but it was taken off the market.
I finally gave up, went to running long distance for the next 21 years. Lately I have been tiring of running, have tried on a few occasions to return to swimming, this past week for example. Mon. 1000 yds, Wed 500 yds, Fri. 1000 yds. Started some sneezing during the week, determined I could beat it this time until Friday night and a huge allergy attack, repeated sneezing, runy nose, burning eyes......and I am about to admit defeat again. It is very unpleasant, very disruptive.
I do not have other allergies. In a regular year I dont even typically get sick, maybe the rare sneezing. Also live with 4 dogs, two of them big GSDs, meaning lots of dog dander. No problem.
Go swimming a few days in a row and it is a disaster, same as 20 years ago when I finally switched to running. I would like to get back to swimming, but.............
There is a lot of insight and experience in this group. Does anyone have any ideas about this, antidotes, medications, techniques to address this problem? Any thoughts will be appreciated. I may return to OSU allergy clinic, see what they will say. Meanwhile, your comments are welcome.
Skip Cornett
Columbus, OH
Parents
Former Member
I've heard a few swimmers who have an allergic reaction to chlorine. I would try a nose plug to keep the water, and any chemicals in it out of your nose. Goggles to protect the eyes, make sure they are adjusted correctly to keep water out. This is what I heard of them trying with some decent results.
For the allergic reaction itself try an antihistamine, something over the counter like Benadryl to provide some relief for the symptoms.
This is not a substitute for real medical advice, just one swimmer passing on ideas to another.
I've heard a few swimmers who have an allergic reaction to chlorine. I would try a nose plug to keep the water, and any chemicals in it out of your nose. Goggles to protect the eyes, make sure they are adjusted correctly to keep water out. This is what I heard of them trying with some decent results.
For the allergic reaction itself try an antihistamine, something over the counter like Benadryl to provide some relief for the symptoms.
This is not a substitute for real medical advice, just one swimmer passing on ideas to another.
