What causes nausea and vomiting during swimming?
Oct 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Nausea and vomiting during swimming may be caused by disinfectants added to the pool, which can release chlorine gas. Inhaling large amounts of chlorine gas may lead to such symptoms. It could also result from relatively low water temperature in the pool, causing a sudden drop in body temperature and subsequent blood vessel constriction. Additionally, prolonged swimming leads to significant energy expenditure and excessive fatigue, which may impair brain function and also trigger nausea and vomiting.
Feeling nauseous or vomiting while swimming may be caused by poor water quality, low water temperature, prolonged swimming duration, or other factors.
1. Poor Water Quality
Nausea and vomiting during swimming may result from disinfectants added to the pool, such as bleaching powder. These disinfectants continuously release chlorine gas over time. Inhaling large amounts of chlorine gas can lead to the aforementioned symptoms, possibly accompanied by headache, chest tightness, shortness of breath, blurred vision, and other symptoms.
2. Low Water Temperature
If the pool water is too cold, prolonged immersion causes continuous heat loss from the body, leading to a sudden drop in body temperature and blood vessel constriction, resulting in insufficient blood supply and causing the above symptoms. This may also be accompanied by dizziness and weakness in the limbs.
3. Prolonged Swimming Duration
If swimming lasts for an extended period, the body expends significant energy, potentially leading to excessive fatigue. This may impair brain function, causing nervous system disorders, hypoxia, ischemia, or elevated blood pressure, which can also trigger nausea and vomiting.
