Many allergy sufferers complain of respiratory problems after being in the swimming pool. Studies confirm that this is due to the substances used for disinfecting the water.

Italian version

An asthma attack, a heavy cold or a runny nose after a swim in the pool are frequently reported by patients but this situation has never been investigated in depth.

A recent letter by two Israeli researchers dealing with this subject was recently published on the New England Journal of Medicine (Stav D. et al. N Engl J Med 2005;353;15:1635-6). This document confirmed that swimming in a pool can cause an increase in bronchial hyperactivity which facilitates an asthma attack or an irritation of the respiratory mucosa in subjects with moderate asthma

After the subjects' swim in the pool, the Israeli authors studied their sensitivity with a spirometry and methacholine test and found it to be greatly increased. This means that an allergic subject's respiratory system may be even more sensitive and reactive after a pool swim.

The causes of this effect may be linked to the presence of chloride compounds (which irritate the bronchial surface) or of chloramines, extremely irritating substances that form when chlorine and organic substances such as sweat dispersed in the water come into contact with each other. Even small quantities can cause irritation; usually the symptoms never occur while one is in the water, but usually appear around 20 minutes after a swim.

In these situations we suggest the combined use of two important homeopathic remedies such as Orthohistaminum and Apis mellifica. They can be a valid solution for the problem when taken before swimming and immediately afterwards.

If the situation doesn't improve, the use of Ribes nero 1D MG or Blackcurrant oil by persons who suffer from this problem can help improve their response to the therapy.

Italian version