Why does my daughter sneeze excessively after swimming?

Question

Hello doctor,

My daughter is coughing, sneezing, no fever, and wheezing when breathing. She was at the pool. Usually, she excessively sneezes after swimming. What can I do?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your daughter’s problem. Her complaints might be due to an allergic reaction to the chlorine in the swimming pools (particularly due to chloramines release) to which some people are more especially prone. This can also be due to the development of a chronic sinusitis. These are some things you must follow:

Keep a track of any other foods or things she might be allergic. She might be at risk of developing allergic rhinitis or sometimes may be predisposed to asthma.
Try using ear plugs and nose clips if possible while at swim.
Choose pools with better ventilation and proper hygiene conditions.
If possible you can try a UV filtered pool.
For the relief of symptoms, you might consider taking an antihistamine depending on the age of your daughter after consulting the local physician or pediatrician (she must be examined).
Any other simple tip is to check whether she develops the same symptoms after she swims in fresh water to confirm the association with chlorinated pools.

Take care.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online.