Taking the plunge

[Lily-B]

I have recently been diagnosed with COPD so it's all very new and worrying. How do you feel about swimming. Some people say it's ok but some say the chlorine may irritate. Any views out there be appreciated.

[stone-UK]

Hi

Don't swim myself, but if you have emphysema chlorine could be a issue.

[2greys in reply to stone-UK]

I can concur, my emphysema & chlorine do not mix at all. It made me ill for hours after just one lung full, never even had chance to get changed let alone get wet.

[mrsmummy]

There have been a few discussions for and against over the last few years, mainly for. You can see them here:

healthunlocked.com/search/s...

[onamission]

Hi ii went on a pr course 2 years ago and aqua fit was highly recommended by the physiotherapist taking the course. I go swimming as I can't exercise on land due to back problems.

The chemical's they use in the pool are much better than a few years ago ring your local council run pool and ask them about aqua fit sessions

[peege]

At a public pool with chlorine I'm usually okay with a puff of ventolin first (I don't have copd).

Luckily the pool at my gym is spring water.

Interesting post for me so thank you. I'm about to buy a season ticket for the open air Lido so I'd better try before I buy!

[stone-UK in reply to peege]

Hi

Open air pools are far superior as any chemicals will dissipate quicker.

[Badbessie]

There are pools that do not use chlorine. Shop around.

[Dedalus]

Can't help with your query Lily; would Just like to say hello and welcome.

[Lily-B in reply to Dedalus]

Thanks very much. I'm such a worrier and COPD very new to me so any advice is so much appreciated.

[jjnanna]

I have COPD and 1 lung and swimming has always been something I enjoyed fully until we went on holiday and I nearly drowned when the water got too deep and pressed on my lung leaving me with no breath !!! OMG scary !! ... anyway OH was nearby and saved me !! ... never lived it down since .... Anyway I did go to Aqua classes and so long as you drink water and use your ventolin it shouldn't be a problem and Aqua classes are such fun and very good exercise .... hope you get to go xx

[Roessner541]

I like to swim so swim in sea water pools the chlorine doesn't bother me then.

[Caspiana]

Hello Lily-B .

Before I got ill I was an avid swimmer. Afterwards, I wanted to keep swimming, but my doctor pointed put that the chlorine in the water, the risk of swallowing water and it getting into my lungs, the fact that the changing rooms may be rife with things I could catch made him dissuade me from swimming. So I started walking instead. Having said that, it is probably worth talking to your doctor about as everyone is different. xx 😀