Chlorine allergy ??

Originally posted by stephgob Every year I put off beginning my swim training b/c pool time always leads to a sneeze-fest and non-stop itchy nose the following day. I do have some seasonal allergies, but after 3 years, I've noticed very specific worsening of allergies during the days after I've been in the pool. The main tip I've seen so far is to wear nose clips when I swim, but that won't work b/c I have a nose ring. Even taking the ring out, chlorine water would get thru the pierced hole (sounds creepy/gross but it's true). Any other advice? Is it actually the chlorine, or am I just insane? So far I'm just popping zyrtec, but that's not really doing much. This is one of the reasons I tend to lean towards doing duathlons - less pool time! THANKS!