Be careful, Chlorine in Water in Swimming Pools Can Trigger Allergies

Swimming is a fun water sport for the whole family. It's just that chlorine which is generally added to water in swimming pools must be watched as a trigger for allergies. Chlorine is very effective as a disinfectant in water, so it is widely used for water purification. As in drinking water, chlorine in swimming pools can kill bacteria and other microbes. Generally chlorine in swimming pools is a derivative product, namely sodium hypochlorite or better known as chlorine.

Can Trigger Allergic Reactions to the Skin

Although it can kill bacteria, chlorine can stick to the skin and hair. Even small amounts of chlorine often interfere with skin and hair health. In some people, exposure to chlorine in water in swimming pools can also trigger allergic skin reactions. Here are some of the symptoms that generally arise from exposure to chlorine:

• Reddish rash on the skin.
• Itchy.
• Inflammation of the skin that is painful or sore when touched.
• Dry and scaly skin.

When there is a reaction on the skin due to chlorine, the first step that can be done is to wash and rinse the skin thoroughly. If an allergic reaction to the skin feels very disturbing, then get antihistamine treatment from a doctor to help relieve complaints.

Increases Risk of Respiratory Disorders

In addition to causing allergic skin reactions, chlorine can also trigger asthma or allergies in the respiratory tract. A study revealed, chlorine can trigger allergic symptoms indirectly, because it can irritate the respiratory tract and make it sensitive. That can then cause asthma or other symptoms of breathing due to allergies. Frequent swimming in pool water containing chlorine increases the risk of recurrence of asthma and allergic rhinitis in children with allergic tendencies. The longer time swimming in the pool, the risk of getting allergies will be higher. In addition, chlorine in swimming pools is also at risk of causing interference with pregnant women and the fetus they contain. The risks that may be felt are not mild, including miscarriages, low birth weight babies, neural tube defects, to urinary tract infections. However, this study is still considered to require further research to prove its truth. Swimming is one of the favorite types of sports for family members to stay in shape. However, be careful of excessive chlorine content, especially if you have allergic tendencies. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience allergic symptoms after swimming in a pool containing chlorine, or if you experience chlorine poisoning which can be characterized by upset stomach, sore throat, vomiting, or bloody stools.