Is Swimming Allowed When You Have a Bad Cough?

Should You Go Swimming If You Have a Cough?

If you have an irritating cough, you may wonder if swimming is a wise choice. The good news is that swimming can actually help relieve cough symptoms in many cases. However, there are a few important factors to consider before jumping into the pool with a cough.

Benefits of Swimming with a Cough

The humid environment of an indoor pool can provide moisture to your airways, loosening mucus and easing coughs. The physical activity also expands your lungs and improves circulation, further helping coughs.

In fact, some doctors specifically recommend swimming as a gentle exercise if you have a lingering, chronic cough after an illness. The cardio activity doesnt strain your body as much as land exercises.

Precautions for Swimming with Certain Coughs

While swimming can help alleviate coughing in many instances, its not for everyone. You should avoid swimming if you have a wet, productive cough with green or yellow mucus, as this indicates infection.

Likewise, swimming is not recommended if you have coughed up any blood, have trouble breathing, or have a fever over 100F. These are signs your cough requires medical treatment before exercising.

Protecting Yourself and Others from Contagious Coughs

If your cough is due to a contagious illness like the flu, cold, or bronchitis, chlorinated pools can inactivate many viruses and bacteria. However, its still polite to avoid public swimming until your cough improves to prevent spreading germs.

Cough into your shoulder if you need to while swimming, wash hands frequently, and dont share items like goggles or towels with other swimmers. Stay well hydrated and leave the pool if coughing persists.

The risks of Chlorine Irritation

Chlorinated water can dry out mucous membranes and aggravate coughs in some cases. This is especially true with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma. If chlorine makes your cough worse, stick to saltwater pools or freshwater lakes which have less chemicals.

Wearing goggles ensures less chlorinated water exposure for eyes and mucus membranes. You can also apply a lightweight waterproof sunscreen to exposed skin to act as a barrier.

What About Public Pools?

Many public pools prohibit swimming when contagious due to health regulations. Coughing kids are often restricted as well since coughs can mean greater drowning risks.

If you have a stubborn cough after an illness, an indoor hotel or club pool is ideal for avoiding public health concerns. Outdoor lakes or beaches provide open air environment without disturbing others.

Tips for Soothing Post-Swim Coughs

To help relax coughs flared up by swimming, follow these tips:

• Drink warm fluids like herbal tea
• Use a humidifier and do saline rinses for congestion
• Suck on lozenges to ease sore throats and coughs
• Try over-the-counter cough medicine for persistent coughs without infection
• Use peppermint or eucalyptus balms on chest or pillow

See your doctor if swimming makes coughing much worse or other concerning symptoms emerge. Otherwise, enjoy the gentle relief swimming can offer most common coughs!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.