I've been swimming on and off for 20 odd years. Recently after recovering from a cold I returned to the pool and have been suffering from the exact same symptoms ever since. I'm desparate and am currently trying to get the bottom of it. I'd appreciate any results you find and of course i'll do the same.

Mmmh - well i've solved it - bought a nose clip!! Don't like using it but it has resolved the problem. Thought I might try another swimming pool but the thought of the same thing happening put me off. It must be some intolerance to chemicals in the water. Why do they keep "secret" the water analyses they do? I'm trying to get a look at them. Will keep you informed if find anything. Good luck - (buy yourself a nose clip, not very fetching but ...)
b

Well it was going to be the last resort but i'll give it a go. Thanks for the reply.
D.

i have the exact same problem. Have you found out why or if there is a solution or treatment? Shargo

it sounds like a classic allergy to chlorine. If you started swimming at a new pool, they may use more than you are used to. Many people react to chlorine-- it is very toxic. I personally cannot stand chlorine and swim in oceans and lakes only.

Try swimming in natural water and see if you get this reaction. I have a feeling you will not-- and if you do not-- you will have your answer.

What is so silly is that there are other ways to clean water without chlorine.

If you search Dr. Weil's website, he talks about those alternatives.

I have the same issue and like you, it only started recently. It was so completely blocked that I had to go to the chemist and buy a decongestant spray, which works rather well, but I'm somewhat wary about prolonged use of it (it advises against using it for too long on the bottle- I don't know what damage it does. Now, after swimming I have a steamy spa and try to inhale a lot through my nose and use Fess, which is only saline solution, to flush out my sinuses - it's made it slightly better. Out of interest I currently swim in a chlorine pool, but found the sneezing issue was worse when I swam for a while at a salt pool - though I didn't get the blockage thing happening then. Hopefully there'll be some better answers and we can fix it.