Getting water trapped in the nose after swimming is a common, uncomfortable experience that produces a sharp burning or pressure sensation. This discomfort, which can feel like a sudden “brain freeze,” occurs when water is inhaled accidentally while submerged or during a splash. Understanding how to efficiently clear the nasal passages and prevent future occurrences is key to maintaining an enjoyable swim.
Immediate Techniques to Clear Water
The most effective approach to clearing water involves using gravity and controlled pressure to encourage drainage from the nasal cavity. A simple technique is the “head tilt and shake”: tilt your head parallel to the ground toward the blocked side, then gently shake your head from side to side.
Another quick method involves controlled exhalation, which must be done gently to avoid pushing water further into the sinuses. Stand upright, plug one nostril with your finger, and then slowly exhale air through the open nostril. Repeat this on the opposite side to clear both passages.
For water that feels more stubborn or trapped higher up, try the “jump and tilt” method. Bend over at the waist so your head is upside down, parallel to the ground, and then give a small, gentle jump or hop. This sudden change in position helps loosen water caught in the upper nasal passages, allowing it to drain out. All clearing techniques should be performed gently, as aggressive blowing can increase inflammation.
Understanding Nasal Water Trapping
The sharp, stinging sensation experienced when fresh water enters the nose is primarily due to a difference in osmotic pressure. The cells lining the nasal cavity contain saline fluids with a specific salt concentration. When non-saline water enters, it is “hypotonic,” meaning it has a much lower salt concentration than the cells.
To balance this concentration, water rushes into the cells through osmosis, causing them to swell rapidly. This cellular swelling and irritation of the mucous membrane registers as the burning or painful feeling. The water often travels into the main nasal passages and sometimes reaches the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities where water can become temporarily trapped.
Preventing Water Entry While Swimming
Preventing water from entering the nasal cavity relies on controlled breathing techniques while submerged. Swimmers should practice exhaling continuously and slowly through the nose when their face is underwater, creating a constant stream of bubbles. This gentle outward pressure prevents water from rushing into the nasal passages.
Another effective preventive measure is the use of a nose clip, which physically blocks the nostrils. Clips are especially useful for backstroke, flip turns, or maneuvers where the head is inverted. For those who find clips uncomfortable, focusing on breathing in solely through the mouth and out through the nose underwater reduces the risk of water inhalation. Maintaining proper body positioning, such as avoiding a high head lift during freestyle, also helps keep the nostrils safely above the water line.
Dealing with Persistent Discomfort
If immediate clearing techniques do not fully relieve the pressure, or if discomfort lingers hours after swimming, residual irritants or water may be deep in the sinuses. Using a sterile saline nasal rinse, such as a neti pot, can help flush out any remaining water, chlorine, or debris. The saline solution is isotonic, matching the body’s natural salinity, which helps soothe irritated mucous membranes and restore moisture balance.
Persistent pain, facial pressure, or a discharge that turns yellow or green several days after swimming could indicate a developing sinus infection (sinusitis). While most post-swim irritation resolves on its own, symptoms lasting longer than a week, a high fever, or severe headache warrant a consultation with a healthcare professional. These signs suggest a secondary issue that requires medical attention.