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 doesn’t strain your body as much as land exercises.
Precautions for Swimming with Certain Coughs
While swimming can help alleviate coughing in many instances, it’s 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 100°F. 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, it’s 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 don’t 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
FAQs
Can swimming help alleviate a cough?
Yes, swimming can help relieve many basic coughs thanks to the humid environment and exercise expanding lung capacity. The gentle cardio activity also improves circulation without taxing the body as much as land sports.
What kind of cough means you should avoid swimming?
You should not go swimming if you have a wet, chesty cough producing yellow/green mucus which indicates infection. Swimming is also not advised if you cough up blood, have difficulty breathing, or have a fever over 100°F alongside your cough.
Is a chlorinated pool safe for a cough?
Chlorine can irritate coughs for some people, especially those with asthma. Saltwater pools, freshwater lakes, or well-ventilated indoor pools are less likely to aggravate coughs. You can also protect yourself by wearing goggles and applying a waterproof barrier balm.
Can I swim in public with a stubborn cough after illness?
Most public pools prohibit swimming when contagious out of health regulations. An indoor hotel, club, or private residential pool is best if trying to swim with lingering coughs. Outdoor freshwater lakes also offer an open air environment.
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.
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