Experiencing a Chlorine Scent During Sneezes
Greetings everyone! I recently tuned into a podcast and came across a topic that resonated with my peculiar experience, prompting me to share my own story. Throughout my life, I've often wondered about this oddity, yet I've never received a satisfactory explanation from any medical professional. As the title implies, on occasion when I unleash a particularly vigorous sneeze—one of those full-body episodes—I can perceive a potent smell of chlorine. It’s reminiscent of that moment when you’re overwhelmed by the scent upon opening a fresh bucket before pouring it into a swimming pool. To provide some context, I was a competitive swimmer from the age of two until around twenty-two, which meant I spent a considerable amount of time exposed to chlorine. However, this strange nasal phenomenon didn’t manifest until I reached the ages of eighteen or nineteen. I also feel it's pertinent to mention a related incident from my middle school days when, due to typical childhood antics, I was accidentally punched in the face. This unfortunate event resulted in a broken nose, which, after evaluation, seemed fine. However, it significantly impaired my sense of smell, leaving me with a notably diminished ability to detect odors, and I often struggle to breathe normally through my nose. Returning to the topic of sneezing, during those forceful sneezes, it feels as though something shifts in my nasal passages, causing the overwhelming scent of chlorine to emerge, at times becoming quite intense. Is this a common occurrence for others? Could there be remnants of crystallized chlorine lurking in my nasal passages? Should I consider reaching out to a healthcare professional about this? The uncertainty is quite perplexing for me.
Answers (1)
2/11/2026, 3:40:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing a chlorine scent during sneezes, especially after a history of competitive swimming and a past nasal injury, can be perplexing. While this is not a common report, it's important to understand a few key points about your situation.
Explanation
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Nasal Irritation or Residue: After years of exposure to chlorine, it's possible that your nasal passages have become sensitized. During a forceful sneeze, airflow may briefly move old mucus or irritants, leading to an intense olfactory sensation that resembles chlorine.
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Anosmia and Nasal Function: The history of your broken nose and reduced sense of smell (anosmia) may contribute to how you experience scents. When the nasal structure has been altered, it could change how smells are perceived, particularly during strong actions like sneezing.
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Possible Irritants: If you have allergies or chronic nasal issues, inhaled particles from various environments could be reacting with your nasal passages, causing unexpected sensations during sneezing.
Actionable Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of when these sneezes occur. Note any accompanying symptoms (nasal congestion, inability to breathe through the nose, or discomfort). This can help identify triggers.
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Practice Nasal Hygiene: Regularly rinse your nasal passages with saline solution to help remove any irritants or mucus buildup. This can potentially reduce the intensity of the chlorine scent.
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Avoid Irritants: Try to limit exposure to strong smells or irritants that may exacerbate the condition, such as heavy chemicals or fragrances.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your mucous membranes moist, which can help improve overall nasal function.
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Consider Allergies: If you have seasonal allergies or sensitivities, over-the-counter antihistamines may help alleviate nasal symptoms.
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Long-term Plan: If the sensation persists, consider documenting your experiences as you may want to bring them up in a future appointment with a healthcare professional specializing in ENT (ear, nose, throat) issues. They can assess if any structural changes or conditions might contribute to your experience.
Your concerns are valid, and taking these proactive steps can provide insight into your condition while offering some relief. Let me know if you need further information or clarification!
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