Swimming pools, asthma & allergy- what you need to know

 

It’s getting hot, summer is here and that means fun in the sun and, for many, fun in the pool. But is that chlorinated water making you or your child’s asthma or allergies worse? A study from Alfred Bernard published in Pediatrics provides us with some clues to the answer.

For years, health experts have noticed a higher prevalence of respiratory problems with elite swimmers vs. other athletes. Studies have also shown that exposure to indoor chlorinated pools might be detrimental to the airways of children

This study looked at 847 students aged 13 to 18 and how a child’s lifetime accumulation of hours in chlorinated pools might relate to allergies and asthma. This is what they found:

• Children who were “atopic” (positive for an allergy like pollen, ragweed, etc.) had a greater chance of having asthma as lifetime exposure to chlorinated pools increased
• Chlorine exposure was also a risk factor for the development of hayfever / allergic rhinitis
• Effects were seen at as few as 100 hours exposure – with risks increasing through exposure of more than 1,000 hours

What can you do?

We can’t suggest that you stop all the fun! But here are a few things you can consider if you are concerned about the impact of chlorinated swimming pools on respiratory health:

• Consider exploring chlorine alternatives for your pool at home
• Consider limiting time spend in indoor chlorinated pools
• If you think your child may have allergies, or be susceptible to allergies – see an allergist for testing! A little knowledge can go a long way in protecting your child’s respiratory health
• If your child experiences cough, wheezing, shortness of breath – consider talking your pediatrician about asthma, and ask them for an action plan when it comes to summer fun and swimming
• If your child has asthma – ask your healthcare provider what the action plan is when it comes to swimming
• Heads-up! If your child seems to be irritated or has respiratory symptoms when swimming – it might be a good time for a break