Stomach pains after swimming

Hi Lisa, sorry to hear about this. I can speak as someone who has received some training in this area. 

If the period between entering the pool and the onset of symptoms was less than 1-3 hours it's very unlikely that the pool water caused it. It's much more likely that the symptoms were caused by something consumed 3-12 hours previously. (Don't assume that if you both ate and drank the same things that both would show symptoms)

An evironmental health officer once told me that they occasionally get claims/reports from people showing similar symptoms after leaving a restaurant and perhaps understandably blaming the restaurant, only to be advised that the symptoms could not have appeared so quickly and consequently to look at what was consumed 12-18 hours ago as possible cause. 

I don't have a pool but maybe someone will advise where to get a kit to test the water for bacterial levels. 

Hope he's feeling better! 

Regards Steve

Thanks for your reply Steve, it was about 15 hours after swimming, and the pain happened very quickly. It was the first swim after the pool had been shocked, cleaned and chlorinated. A bacteria kit sounds like a good idea anyway tho.  We have both eaten the same foods and I didn’t go in the pool so that’s what made me think it could be that. Thanks again

Lisa.

Hi Lisa, 

The timescale does mean the symptoms could possibly have come from the pool so wise to check it. However my guess is more likely that it was food. 

Hi, the chlorine levels had been checked beforehand and were perfect, it was choqued about four days previous.

Lisa.

The chlorine is designed to control bacterial growth (stating the obvious steve! )so this makes it highly likely that the cause was food. You mention the symptoms arrived 15 hours approx after swimming. Look at what did he touch, what did he consume in the first 10 hours after leaving the pool and somewhere there is your answer. 

With most people  (like me at least) not yet running aircon during the day it means that indoor temps are at ideal levels for fast multiplication of bacteria. That includes any touch points, e.g. toilet seats, taps, handles, work surfaces, chopping boards etc etc. 

Edit to add... this is the time of year when restaurants and bars take on extra staff and the one question they don't ask is "do you have a hygiene training certificate "

Thanks Steve, that’s helpful, I think all he had to eat after was 2 beers and some crisps, but sometimes you just never know where these things come from probably never will. We have been cleaning out old buildings and cutting back in the garden so could have picked anything up really. Thanks for your help much appreciated.

Hi Lisa,

I think you may have already found your answer? Crisps? When you think about it you said your husband only had a couple beers and crisps...well you eat crisps with your hands and when you think the previous guy said about the bacteria is on the increase everywhere and what you touch? I think we all think we are clean etc but it’s so easy to let your guard down? 

That’s my theory anyway and hope he’s recovered now and enjoying the Spainish weather!

That sounds about right.., he’s fine now,.. was very sick, then slept for hours and hours, got up and felt ok, so far so good. Thanks all for the help,very much appreciated.