I'm swimming with a new workout group this year, and am thus in a new pool. Something in the water (not necessarily chlorine) is giving my sinuses fits. It takes more than a day to unstuff, during which time sleeping is problematic. I've rather casually tried decongestant (currently only Sudafed PE) and antihistamines (Claritin) and my trusty neti pot. The neti pot doesn't help a lot if your sinuses are completely clogged though.
I'm skeptical that it's chlorine causing problems mostly because I swam in an older pool last season which had higher chlorine levels with no problem (at least by how long the chlorine smell lingered on my skin).
I realize that chlorine is an irritant, not an allergen, so maybe antihistamines or decongestants won't be all that effective. Is there a nose clip in my future? Anybody using a nose clip strictly to keep chemicals out of your nose and sinuses?
Thx,
Skip
After spending 3 weeks with a severe sinus and throat infection, I've started using nose clips as well. My question is do you guys use them when you compete as well, or only for practices? Also, which clips do you all recommend? I've been using the Speedo gel clips.
I don't use them competing or open water. I use a snychro clip - wire with plastic cover. The gel clips are fine, as are some other plastic clips, but they are less durable and less adjustable than the wire ones.
After spending 3 weeks with a severe sinus and throat infection, I've started using nose clips as well. My question is do you guys use them when you compete as well, or only for practices? Also, which clips do you all recommend? I've been using the Speedo gel clips.
I don't use them competing or open water. I use a snychro clip - wire with plastic cover. The gel clips are fine, as are some other plastic clips, but they are less durable and less adjustable than the wire ones.
