Summer Sinus Problems?
It may not be what you think…
As summer approaches and more of us dive into pools and beach trips, you might notice something peculiar: after a swim in a chlorinated pool, your eyes sting, your skin feels dry, and sometimes, your breathing gets tight or wheezy. But swimming in the ocean doesn’t usually cause the same issues. So what’s going on?
Let’s unpack the chemistry behind these common experiences and what it means for your airway health.
🌫 What Happens in Chlorinated Pools?
Most pools use chlorine to disinfect the water and kill bacteria. But chlorine doesn’t just float around passively…it’s a reactive chemical. When it encounters organic material like:
Sweat
Urine
Skin cells
Hair and body oils
…it reacts to form chloramines, specifically trichloramine (NCl₃), a volatile compound that irritates the eyes, skin, and especially the lungs.
You may know this as the sharp “chlorine smell” around indoor pools. Ironically, that smell isn’t from chlorine itself - it’s from chloramines, and it means the water is dirty, not clean.
😮💨 Why Chloramines Affect Breathing
Chloramines accumulate just above the pool’s surface - the exact height where swimmers breathe. In indoor pools with poor ventilation, these gases get trapped and hover like an invisible cloud. When inhaled, trichloramine can:
Irritate your airways
Trigger coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath
Worsen asthma or reactive airway disease
Contribute to long-term respiratory issues in frequent swimmers and lifeguards
Even saltwater pools, which generate chlorine from sodium chloride via electrolysis, still form chloramines. So despite the gentler marketing, they aren’t chlorine-free and can still cause similar breathing problems though often to a lesser extent if well-maintained.
🌊 What About the Ocean?
The ocean is salty, but it doesn’t contain added disinfectants like chlorine. That means:
There’s no chloramine formation
Organic matter is diluted across vast volumes of water
Natural UV light, wave movement, and microbial ecosystems help break down waste
The air is open and well-ventilated, eliminating any concentrated gas exposure
In fact, many people with asthma, eczema, or chemical sensitivities often feel better after swimming in the ocean. The saltwater is hypertonic, which can help soothe the nasal lining and skin.
✅ Comparison: How Different Waters Affect Your Breathing and Skin
Integrative ENT Health
💡 What Can You Do?
If you or your child often develop symptoms after swimming, here are a few tips:
Shower before entering the pool – it reduces organic load.
Choose well-ventilated or outdoor pools.
If you manage a pool, consider UV or ozone systems to reduce chloramine buildup.
For sensitive individuals, the ocean may be the better choice for summer fun.
Final Thoughts
As an integrative ENT, I always look at how our environment affects our airway. Something as simple as what kind of water you swim in can make a difference in how you feel. Understanding the chemistry behind common exposures empowers you to make choices that support whole-body health, especially during the summer months.
If you’ve noticed breathing issues after swimming or are managing asthma, allergies, or chronic sinus conditions, talk to your provider.
