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Allergies

Public pool allergy

11/10/2008

Question:

my eight yr old son came home from public pool with red puffy eyes,and mouth the mouth continued to swell thereafter,until a large dose of antihistimine was given.The pool manager advised me it was not there water that was the problem,what do you think/

Answer:

Allergic reactions at a public pool can be a variety of things, such as:

1. a non-allergic reaction to the chlorine
2. reaction to sunscreen
3. reaction to the sun or sunburn
4. food allergy or insect sting while outside
5. hives or swelling from jumping into cold water
6. outdoor pollen allergy

As you can see, the list is long. Since the reaction is non-descript, there is not much to do about it unless you suspect a food reaction, insect sting reaction or outdoor pollen allergy. If it returns, I would consult your doctor or an allergist as it is likely unrelated to the pool.

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Response by:

David Hauswirth, MD David Hauswirth, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Pulmonary, Allergy, Crtitical Care & Sleep
Pediatrics
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University