Chlorine allergy in pools: myth or reality?
If every time I go to the pool, I end up with rhinitis, a runny nose, or sneezing, the first thing I think of is an "allergy!"But from a medical perspective, the term "allergy" is incorrect.
In reality, the symptoms associated with chlorine exposure are more often due to chemical irritation rather than a true allergic reaction.
Allergy or chemical sensitivity?
Unlike a true allergy, which involves an immune system reaction with antibody production, chlorine sensitivity is more commonly an irritative response.Cases where some individuals develop allergic reactions to specific chlorination by-products or additives in disinfectant products are rare.
If it's not an allergy, then antihistamines are not the solution
Antihistamines are useful for immune-mediated allergic reactions, such as hay fever or hives, where antibodies are involved.However, irritation caused by chlorine is due to a direct chemical reaction, not a true allergy.
Antihistamines work by blocking histamine, but in this case, the issue is the direct action of chlorine, so their effect would be minimal or nonexistent.
Instead of taking unnecessary medication, practical measures can be taken to reduce irritation, such as:
- choosing pools with alternative disinfection systems
- swimming early in the morning when there are fewer chloramines in the water
- or using a nose mask like NASKA