Can You Go Swimming With A Cough? Depends On How Intense Your Cough Is!

Are you feeling under the weather with a persistent cough but craving a dip in the pool?

While the refreshing coolness of water may seem tempting, the question arises: is it safe to swim with a cough?

Before diving in, consider this disclaimer: this article is for informational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical advice. If you have a cough, consult your doctor for personalized guidance. Now, let’s explore the factors involved in this watery dilemma.

Should you go swimming with a chesty cough?

A chesty cough, often accompanied by chest tightness and congestion, indicates a lower respiratory tract infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises refraining from public activities like swimming to prevent spreading illness. The effort of swimming can also worsen chest tightness and fatigue.

Chesty coughs often signal a lower respiratory infection like bronchitis or pneumonia. These require rest and proper treatment, not strenuous activity like swimming. Pushing your body can worsen the infection and prolong recovery.

Coughing expels droplets that can spread your illness to other swimmers in the pool. This is especially concerning if your cough is contagious, putting vulnerable individuals at risk.

Swimming, even when doing light laps, requires effort. This additional strain on your already tasked respiratory system can lead to fatigue and discomfort, and potentially worsen your cough.

Instead of swimming with such a nasty cough, consider these alternatives:

Prioritize rest: Allow your body to focus on healing by getting plenty of rest and sleep.

Home remedies: Soothe your cough with tried-and-true methods like warm liquids, gargling with salt water, and natural lozenges.

Doctor’s guidance: Consult your doctor for personalized advice on managing your cough and safe activity options.

Is chlorine bad for a cough?

Chlorine effectively disinfects the pool water, hence the reason for using it to shock the pool. But some argue that it also irritates coughs.

True, chlorine can sting the eyes or irritate a sensitive throat, but the American Lung Association clarifies that chlorine levels in pools are not high enough to exacerbate coughs.

Is swimming good for a dry cough?

While the initial sting of chlorine in your eyes or a slight tickle in your throat after swimming might make you think it’s bad for a cough, generally, chlorine’s effect on coughs is minimal.

Here’s a breakdown:

Can chlorine worsen a cough?

Not usually. Studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) show that properly maintained pool chlorine levels usually don’t worsen coughs for healthy individuals.

However, if you have respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies, chlorine exposure might temporarily irritate your airways and contribute to cough. Swimming in cold water is bad for asthma.

Beware of high levels. Inhaling high concentrations of chlorine gas (not typical in treated pools) can cause coughing and other respiratory problems.

Important things to consider before swimming with a cough

Severity of cough: If you have a mild, infrequent cough, it’s unlikely to feel any impact from chlorine. However, if it’s persistent, severe, or accompanies other symptoms, consult your doctor before swimming.

Type of cough: While chlorine might irritate a dry cough, it shouldn’t worsen a chesty cough (indicating a lower respiratory infection) as much. However, always prioritize your doctor’s advice.

Can swimming in the sea cure cough?

While the allure of seawater’s healing properties exists, there’s no scientific evidence suggesting swimming in the sea cures coughs. The cold sea temperatures can trigger coughing fits. There are benefits to the warm air, so you should swim in a heated swimming pool.

Even swimming in the Dead Sea is not going to cure your cough, as much as it helps the skin. Seawater is good for many things, but it also carries bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.

You can swim in the sea with a yeast infection. You can also swim with a UTI or even with a herpes outbreak. However, when it comes to a cold that is in or above the chest, you had better listen to your body.

Why ocean swimming won’t cure a cough

Underlying cause: Bacteria and viruses are responsible for causing colds and coughs. On the same note, there’s no evidence that seawater has any direct antiviral or antibacterial properties. Thus, swimming in the ocean wouldn’t address the root cause of your cough.

Irritating factors: Cold seawater can be shocking and jarring to your respiratory system, potentially triggering coughing fits in some individuals. Additionally, the high salt content in seawater could irritate a sensitive throat.

Higher risk of infection: Natural bodies of water can harbor bacteria and viruses that can cause infections, potentially worsening your cough or causing other health problems.

What to do for cough relief

Consult a doctor: This is always the best first step. They can diagnose the cause of your cough and recommend appropriate treatment. The doctor will also help you to know whether you have a serious respiratory issue, such as asthma.

Rest and hydration: Getting plenty of rest and drinking ample fluids are crucial for recovery.

Home remedies: Soothing methods like gargling with salt water, using lozenges, and inhaling steam can provide temporary relief.

Over-the-counter medications: In some cases, cough suppressants or expectorants might be helpful under a doctor’s guidance.

Prioritize Rest: Allow your body to focus on healing by getting plenty of rest and sleep.

Home Remedies: Soothe your cough with tried-and-true methods like warm liquids, gargling with salt water, and natural lozenges.

Doctor’s Guidance: Consult your doctor for personalized advice on managing your cough and safe activity options.

Precautions for swimming when coughing

If you decide to swim with a mild cough, you need to know how to protect yourself from making the cold worse. In addition to swimming with a wetsuit, also try the following things:

• Try to get clearance from your doctor
• Choose low-intensity swimming
• Limit the time that you spend in the water
• Maintain your distance from others
• Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing.
• Shower before and after swimming

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cough is okay for swimming?

There is no specific answer to this. Please consult your doctor first. Generally, mild, infrequent coughs might be manageable with proper precautions.

Can swimming make a cough worse?

It depends. Rigorous swimming or persisting with a cough despite discomfort can aggravate it. It is advisable to wait for the cold to go away before swimming in cold water.

Are children more susceptible to spreading coughs while swimming?

Yes, children often have weaker immune systems. Avoid public pools if your child has a contagious cough because, with their compromised immune system, they can pick up other infections easily. Also, toddlers swallow swimming pool water, which can make them sicker.

What are alternatives to swimming if I have a cough?

Rest, hydration, and home remedies like honey and lozenges may be helpful. Consider low-impact activities like walking after consulting your doctor.

How long should I wait to swim after a cough?

Follow your doctor’s guidance based on the severity and cause of your cough. Generally, wait until you’re symptom-free for at least 24 hours to prevent spreading illness.

Final Thoughts

Deciding whether to swim with a cough requires sound personal judgment and doctor consultation. Learn to listen to your body before you can jump into the pool or the ocean. If colds make you feel in really bad shape, don’t swim.

Also, remember that swimming in the ocean can make a cold worse. Swimming in mineral-laden water like the Great Salt Lake can also make you feel worse.

Rest and proper treatment are crucial for speedy recovery from those racking coughs. Usually, a cold will run its course in a week or so, and waiting until you are well is not too hard.