Chlorine can cause allergic reactions, with symptoms including eye irritation, coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, difficulty breathing, dry skin, and rash. Chlorine is found in swimming pools and household chemicals, and exposure causes a type 4 delayed allergy. Severe reactions can mimic asthma attacks.
There are many substances that trigger an allergic reaction for people. Chlorine is a substance that many people are sensitive to, but are unaware of until a reaction occurs. Signs of an allergic reaction to chlorine include eye irritation and coughing and sneezing after exposure. An allergy to chlorine can also cause a stuffy nose, difficulty breathing and dry skin. In some cases, sensitivity to chlorine can lead to the development of a rash.
Chlorine is a chemical used to treat swimming pool and drinking water. It can also be found in many household chemicals, such as detergents and bleach. Most people experience eye irritation when they experience prolonged exposure to chlorinated water, particularly when swimming in pools.
Exposure to chlorine causes a reaction when the body determines that chlorine is a threat. Histamines are created to block chlorine, which in turn causes symptoms. An allergic reaction to chlorine is classified as a type 4 allergy.
All allergies and sensitivities are classified into one of four allergy groups. A type 4 allergy is a delayed allergy. This means that an allergic reaction to chlorine does not occur upon exposure. Symptoms will appear hours after contact. Allergic reaction occurs due to cellular activity, which takes time.
Eye irritation is one of the most common symptoms of a reaction to chlorine. While it can be a sign of an allergy to chlorine, eye irritation can also occur in people with mild sensitivity or in people with no sensitivity at all. Chlorine is a chemical well known for its irritating abilities. Persistent redness, itching, and swelling are signs of an allergy, not just a sensitivity.
Coughing and sneezing are also signs of an allergic reaction to chlorine. These two symptoms can occur from taking chlorinated water into the nose or from ingesting chlorinated water. They can also occur from breathing in chlorine fumes. The throat and nasal passages become irritated and inflamed. Chronic coughing and sneezing after exposure indicate an allergy.
Dry skin can be a sign of a chlorine allergy. The skin becomes itchy, feels tight, and begins to peel upon contact. This reaction can occur from contact with pool water, clothes washed with chlorinated products, or the use of chlorinated cleaning products. Dry skin shouldn’t be confused with the appearance of white patches, which are a form of yeast infection that swimmers can get.
With a severe allergic reaction to chlorine, it’s common for a person to experience symptoms that mimic an asthma attack. Wheezing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of a tight chest are all signs of an allergic reaction. These symptoms may occur immediately after exposure, but are often as delayed as the other symptoms.
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