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 always have a non-stop runny nose and major sneeze attacks from swimming that last up to 2 days after my workout. At the moment I just have tissues with me all the time. The pool I go to doesn't seem to have too much chlorine so it's not as bad as in other pools.
The BEST solution I ever found was this nose clip: Amazon.com: Speedo Competition Nose Clip: Sports & Outdoors
Speedo has a different nose clip that always slips or breaks(fully made out of plastik) but this one works great. You have to get used to only breathing through your mouth which takes a while. You also might look funny with the nose clip but with the clip I never had a runny nose or sneeze attacks again no matter at what pool I swim.
I find the clip to be a compromise and better than medication. It is better to prevent an allergy from the start than treating the syptoms. I would try it. Maybe it will be the solution and it only costs a few bucks.
When it comes to your eyes: GOGGLES!!!
I always have a non-stop runny nose and major sneeze attacks from swimming that last up to 2 days after my workout. At the moment I just have tissues with me all the time. The pool I go to doesn't seem to have too much chlorine so it's not as bad as in other pools.
The BEST solution I ever found was this nose clip: Amazon.com: Speedo Competition Nose Clip: Sports & Outdoors
Speedo has a different nose clip that always slips or breaks(fully made out of plastik) but this one works great. You have to get used to only breathing through your mouth which takes a while. You also might look funny with the nose clip but with the clip I never had a runny nose or sneeze attacks again no matter at what pool I swim.
I find the clip to be a compromise and better than medication. It is better to prevent an allergy from the start than treating the syptoms. I would try it. Maybe it will be the solution and it only costs a few bucks.
When it comes to your eyes: GOGGLES!!!
