Swallowing water in the pool causes an infectious disease

exp. Dr. Müzalin Çiğdem Yıldırım warned that some infectious diseases can be transmitted from swimming pools, even if they are chlorinated, because people prefer swimming pools to cool off and have fun with the arrival of summer.

Underline that if the pool is not kept clean, it can cause many health problems. Dr. Yıldırım said: “Some substances or residues of the human body, such as sweat, saliva, urine and feces, are the factors that cause water pollution. Many micro-organisms cause pollution. Microbes mixed with water can cause infections when they come into contact with the body.

CHLORINE CAN CAUSE SKIN IRRITATION

Noting that there is a large amount of bactericidal chlorine in the pool water, Uzm. Dr. Yıldırım said: “Irritation and excessive drying of the skin by chlorine is a kind of chemical reaction. If the irritations caused by chlorine worsen, swimming in the pool should be interrupted or the skin should be treated with anti-irritant lotions before swimming. These creams are very useful for skin that is very dry due to chlorine or has eczema. As long as there is no inflammation in skin irritations caused by chlorine, it will pass within 1 week. But even if the irritation is mild, medical treatment should be followed if it turns into a wound.

POOL WATER CAN CAUSE EYE INFECTIONS

Noting that swimming pools facilitate the spread of some infections through the effect of heat and humidity, Uzm. Dr. Yıldırım shared the following information:

“Incorrect use of chlorine-based substances used in pool water disinfection causes irritations, corneal surface defects and weakening of the eye’s immune system. Symptoms include burrs, redness, blurred vision, itching, burning and stinging. People with an eye infection should not use the pool until their symptoms improve, taking into account the health of other pool users. Lens wearers are not allowed to enter the swimming pool with their lenses. Severe eye pain can be due to various infections in people who go into the pool with their lenses on. For this reason, it is important to wear swimming goggles when entering the pool or the sea.

BEWARE OF INFECTIONS FROM DIGITAL SYSTEMS

Saying that the first of the infections transmitted from the pools are the digestive system infections, Uzm. Dr. Yıldırım said: “This situation manifests itself with nausea and/or diarrhea. A wide variety of viruses and bacteria, especially Rotavirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, Shigella, E. Coli (Tourist’s Diarrhea), can survive for a long time in swimming pools where water circulation and chlorination are insufficient. These microbes appear by ingesting pool water.

GENITAL INFECTIONS CAN CAUSE PAIN AND ITCHING

Expressing that urinary tract infections and vaginitis in women, usually caused by swimming pools with improper conditions, are common and troubling infections. Dr. Yıldırım said: “These infections are manifested by symptoms such as burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, lower back and groin pain, pain in the genital area, itching and discharge. Genital warts (HPV) can also be transmitted from pools.

SKIN INFECTIONS AND FUNGI

Note that some skin infections and fungi can be transmitted through the pool, Uzm. Dr Yildirim said:

“The main ones are genital warts and molluscum contagiosum. It is known that sweating, which increases with heat, promotes the growth of mold in the summer. Swimming pool water with excessive amounts of chlorine may cause skin irritation in some sensitive individuals. Skin diseases such as scabies and impetigo can also be transmitted through unsanitary environments or unclean towels.

PROLONGED WATER INCREASES THE RISK OF OUTER EAR BAD INFECTION

Speaking of outer ear infections, Dr. Dr. Yıldırım said: “An outer ear infection is caused by bacteria and sometimes fungi that like the watery environment. It causes severe ear pain, ear discharge and hearing loss, itching and, in advanced cases, swelling and redness in the ear. The risk increases due to staying in the water for a long time or getting water in the ear. At the same time, while diving, bacteria in the water, if present, can reach the sinuses through the nose and cause sinusitis.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO PROTECT AGAINST INFECTIONS

exp. Dr. Yıldırım listed the points to be considered in order to protect against infections that can be transmitted from the pool as follows:

“Do not enter swimming pools where you think that chlorine and water circulation are not sufficient. Be careful not to swallow any water in the pool.

Do not chew gum while swimming, especially since water can be swallowed while chewing gum.

· Prefer facilities where children’s pools and adult pools are separated. Do not sit in a wet swimsuit for a long time, be sure to dry it.

Prefer facilities where feet are washed with antiseptic solutions before entering the pool, where it is mandatory to shower and wear a swimming cap before entering the pool.

Take a shower right after you get out of the pool, remove any germs and excess chlorine, and wear clean clothes.

· Dry off as soon as you get out of the pool. Because humidity is very important in the development of some bacteria, infections such as scabies and fungi.

· Always use earplugs when entering the pool. Avoid swimming in the pool if you have an active ear infection or if you have a tube inserted in your ear.

· To prevent sinusitis, use a nasal plug or cover your nose with your hand while diving into the pool or jumping into the water.

It is useful to minimize contact with the pool water in connection with eye infections and to use swimming goggles for this.”