Swimming for people with aspergillosis

Great question — and can be really important for quality of life. For someone with aspergillosis (especially ABPA or CPA) and asthma that worsens in chlorinated pools, here’s a tailored guide that balances safety with enjoyment:

🏊‍♀️ Swimming with Aspergillosis + Chlorine Sensitivity: A Practical Guide

💡 1. Choose the Right Pool Environment

Goal: Minimise chloramine exposure (which irritates airways).

✅ Best options:

• Ozone- or UV-treated pools: These significantly reduce chloramine levels.

• Saltwater pools: Gentler, although still chlorinated (just less harsh).

• Natural pools or lidos: Often free from chlorine, especially in outdoor settings.

• Seawater swimming: The ultimate in chlorine-free options if you’re near the coast and it’s safe.

🚫 Avoid:

• Indoor pools with poor ventilation

• Pools that “smell strongly of chlorine” — this usually means high chloramines

🕗 2. Swim at Low-Traffic Times

• Early morning swims are ideal — before other swimmers add organic matter (sweat, sunscreen, etc.), which reacts with chlorine to form irritants.

• Ask the pool when they clean/shock it — swimming after that is usually better.

🧤 3. Protect Your Airways

• Use a nose clip to avoid inhaling water vapor directly through the nasal passages.

• Consider wearing a light face mask (e.g., FFP2) on the poolside until just before entering, to avoid breathing chloramines in enclosed spaces.

• Ventolin (salbutamol) or another rescue inhaler should always be close by — even poolside if staff are aware.

💊 4. Pre-medicate if Needed

With your doctor’s advice, consider:

• Short-acting bronchodilator 15–30 mins before swimming (e.g., salbutamol)

• Leukotriene receptor antagonists (like montelukast) for added airway protection

• Nasal rinses or corticosteroid sprays post-swim if you’re prone to sinus issues

🚿 5. Shower Immediately After

To reduce any skin or airway irritation:

• Warm shower straight after

• Nasal rinse or saline spray

• Clean/dry clothes quickly to avoid damp mold exposure

🏞️ 6. Explore Alternative Swimming Options

• Outdoor pools or lidos

• Swimming lakes or sea-based pools (like Bude Sea Pool)

• Private or spa pools with alternative sanitisation systems

• Aquatherapy centres: Often use lower chemical levels and may cater to sensitive lungs

💬 7. Talk to Pool Staff

Many pools are willing to help. Try:

“I have a medical lung condition that reacts to chloramines — can you tell me when chlorination is lowest or if you use UV systems?”

You might be surprised how supportive they are.