Why Pool Chemicals Can Lead to a Sore Throat After Swimming

Why Pool Water Can Lead to a Sore Throat

Taking a refreshing dip in the pool can sometimes leave you with an unpleasant lingering sore throat. The culprit? Exposure to chemicals like chlorine commonly added to water to help keep swimming areas sanitary.

Understanding how pool water interacts with mucous membranes helps make sense of throat discomfort. But luckily there are also various ways to prevent and soothe irritation after swimming.

How Pool Chemicals Affect Mucous Membranes

The lining of parts of your respiratory and digestive tracts contain a moist surface called mucous membrane. Areas like the mouth, throat, nose and esophagus have this protective coating.

Chemicals in pool water can penetrate and dehydrate mucous membranes. This leaves nerve endings exposed and sensitive to irritation when breathing in dry air or swallowing.

Chlorine is the most common culprit, but bromine, pH balancing chemicals and others also play a role. The longer you swim, the greater the impact on moisture-loving membranes.

Why Throats Feel Most Irritation

The throat endures significant exposure to air and water while swimming. Breathing often transitions hastily between air, underwater exhalations, and gasping above the surface.

Gulping accidental mouthfuls of water also occurs frequently. Constant barrage of chlorinated water flowing over the tonsils and vocal cords contributes to throat discomfort specifically.

Yelling and breathing harder during sports like water polo also forces more chemically-treated water into the throat. This amplifies irritation of the delicate pharynx mucosa.

Short and Long Term Effects on Throat Tissue

Severity ranges from subtle to quite painful depending on amount of mucous membrane irritation from swimmers’ chlorine exposure.

Immediate Symptoms

Soon after leaving the pool, many swimmers experience:

• Dry, scratchy throat
• Uncomfortable or painful swallowing
• Sensation of tissue swelling around throat and tonsils
• Coughing or throat clearing
• Hoarse, raspy voice
• Strange tastes depending on chemical balance

These symptoms typically peak about 30-60 minutes following heavy exposure as moisture loss intensifies sensitivity. Gradual improvement begins thereafter as membranes rehydrate.

Long Term Issues

With repeated long term exposure, cumulative cell damage can accrue over time. Lasting effects may involve:

• Chronic dry cough
• Frequent throat clearing
• Ticklish, scratchy throat sensation
• Hoarse or raspy voice
• Halitosis
• Metallic taste
• Tonsil stones

Seeking treatment at the first signs of persistent irritation can help avoid permanent injury to the vocal cords or throat lining.

Preventing Sore Throats From Pool Chemicals

Proactive measures help restrict throat irritation during and after swimming. This limits severity and frequency of painful sore throat symptoms.

Time Strategies

Pacing exposure helps minimize irritation:

• Take occasional breaks from the water
• Avoid massive marathon swim sessions
• End exertion before exhaustion sets in
• Rotate activities between swimming and less submerging sports

Letting throat tissue rest and rehydrate between bouts reduces chemical overload.

Hydration and Nutrition Habits

Supporting mucous membrane resilience also prevents sore throats:

• Drink extra fluids before, during and after swimming
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine when swimming for long periods
• Eat a balanced diet with antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E
• Bolster healthy fats like omega-3s to reinforce cell membranes

Proper nutrition and hydration enhances moisture retention and tissue integrity.

Soothing Swimming-Induced Sore Throats

Once irritation and discomfort sets in after pool time, targeted remedies help provide relief.

Rinse Nasal Passages and Gargle

Clearing residual chemicals clinging inside helps reduce persistence of symptoms:

• Gently blow nose to expel lingering pool water
• Use saline nasal sprays to flush and soothe sinuses
• Gargle warm salt water to wash the throat internally
• Irrigate sinuses with neti pot if severe congestion develops

Removing traces of harsh pool chemicals gives inflamed tissue a fresh start towards healing.

Soothe With Beverages and Lozenges

Ingesting helpful ingredients reduces pain signaling:

• Drink cold water or icy slushies to numb sore tissue
• Sip chilled herbal tea with mint or honey to coat irritated areas
• Allow throat lozenges with lidocaine or benzocaine to dissolve slowly
• Mix baking soda and water to neutralize acidity from chlorine

Targeted combinations of cold, numbness, soothing liquids and alkalinity relieve distressed mucous membranes.

Try Over-the-Counter Anti-Inflammatories

Using OTC medications judiciously can promote healing after injury from pool chemicals:

• Take NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce swelling
• Spray throat with numbing phenol spray formulations
• Use throat lozenges with eucalyptus and menthol to ease air flow
• Apply mouth gel with benzocaine for topical relief

Such remedies reduce inflammation and discomfort during the healing process after irritative damage from pool chemicals.

Seeking Medical Care for Severe, Persistent Issues

If sore throat symptoms linger longer than a week or prevent normal eating and drinking, seek medical evaluation.

For immediate severe swelling or problems breathing after exposure, urgent care provides quick assistance determining next steps.

Otolaryngologists can evaluate chronic issues using laryngoscopy to assess for lasting injury or precancerous changes needing treatment.

With proper prevention habits, hydration, nutrition and rest, most pool-related sore throats resolve uneventfully within a few days.

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.