I have noticed I seem to have a higher tendency to catch a cold the day after swimming. The pool is a community pool which seems to have much less chlorine than 'serious' pools, at least judging by the smell. Also there is frequently bugs and other things floating around in the water (maybe 1/3-1/2 of the time I am there). I am not sure if these things are contributing to me getting sicker more often, or if it is because of the added (physical) stress of swimming for about an hour. Also, in my recent training I think I have been swallowing a bit more water (or at least getting more in my mouth), that may be related as well.
Anyone noticed higher odds of getting sick after swimming?
Although if I swim 3-4 times a week, I guess the odds are that 50/50 that I would get sick after a day that I swim, even assuming the sickness is uncorrelated...
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Former Member
Yes, actually I do have a history of allergies, I would say that my nose is blocked up maybe 80-90% of the time.
As for the symptoms, I would said that I feel much more stuffed up (than usual), with increased phlem and alot of sneezing. Basically like a normal cold - it seems like colds I have gotten before when I wasn't swimming.
It happened a few times before, but after thinking back I think I wasn't feeling too great last week either, so I think this might be a case where I should of rested, but instead pushed myself to keep training and possibly made myself sicker.
But I still am a bit concerned that the lower chlorine level and/or generally bad maintenance of the pool I am swimming in (oftentimes there are many bugs in the water) could be contributing. Could be I am just paranoid though.
I was suspecting sinus issues. While it's not necessarily the chlorine or any specific substance that may be causing an allergy attack, it may be just breathing a lot of humid air near water that may be changing how you breathe, and adding humidity - and doing something to the sinuses.
It could be softening mucus in the clogged up sinuses just enough to cause post-nasal drip irritation (rather then clearing them up completely), which could feel like a cold, and can lead to upper respiratory infection. Clogged up sinuses tend to have some bacteria in the mucus that causes sore throat what it gets in the throat. Community pools tend to be little warmer then competition pools, which means, a bit more humidity too.
I'd see a doctor ... ask him that you suspect that you may have chronic sinus issues, and to help you treat/manage them. If sinus issues are causing this, getting it treated will cut down on the colds. en.wikipedia.org/.../Post-nasal_drip
Sneezing and sudden congestion however may mean that you are having a bit of an allergic reaction. A doctor can ask you more key questions and help sort out of it's an allergy, or chronic sinus condition. You could try some allergy medicine before swimming, like a light dose of benadryl or something with anti-hystamines, if you're having allergic reaction, that should cut it down. If you haven't taken them before, start off with small doses and watch for side effects.
Yes, actually I do have a history of allergies, I would say that my nose is blocked up maybe 80-90% of the time.
As for the symptoms, I would said that I feel much more stuffed up (than usual), with increased phlem and alot of sneezing. Basically like a normal cold - it seems like colds I have gotten before when I wasn't swimming.
It happened a few times before, but after thinking back I think I wasn't feeling too great last week either, so I think this might be a case where I should of rested, but instead pushed myself to keep training and possibly made myself sicker.
But I still am a bit concerned that the lower chlorine level and/or generally bad maintenance of the pool I am swimming in (oftentimes there are many bugs in the water) could be contributing. Could be I am just paranoid though.
I was suspecting sinus issues. While it's not necessarily the chlorine or any specific substance that may be causing an allergy attack, it may be just breathing a lot of humid air near water that may be changing how you breathe, and adding humidity - and doing something to the sinuses.
It could be softening mucus in the clogged up sinuses just enough to cause post-nasal drip irritation (rather then clearing them up completely), which could feel like a cold, and can lead to upper respiratory infection. Clogged up sinuses tend to have some bacteria in the mucus that causes sore throat what it gets in the throat. Community pools tend to be little warmer then competition pools, which means, a bit more humidity too.
I'd see a doctor ... ask him that you suspect that you may have chronic sinus issues, and to help you treat/manage them. If sinus issues are causing this, getting it treated will cut down on the colds. en.wikipedia.org/.../Post-nasal_drip
Sneezing and sudden congestion however may mean that you are having a bit of an allergic reaction. A doctor can ask you more key questions and help sort out of it's an allergy, or chronic sinus condition. You could try some allergy medicine before swimming, like a light dose of benadryl or something with anti-hystamines, if you're having allergic reaction, that should cut it down. If you haven't taken them before, start off with small doses and watch for side effects.
