Is it safe to swim in the sea in Antalya when you have a blocked nose or cold?

From messages by 3 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 42 days ago

TL;DR

Sea swimming may temporarily loosen mucus, but seawater should not be used to rinse your nose: it contains microorganisms and is about 3.5% saline. Avoid diving if you have an acute infection, ear pain, or possible sinusitis, and seek medical advice.

What the community said

With heavy congestion, regular sea swimming may feel as though it helps mucus drain, but do not deliberately draw seawater into your nose. Seawater is roughly 3.5% saline and is not sterile.

Seawater salinity — about 3.5%

Avoid diving if you have an acute cold, ear pain, or blocked ears, as pressure changes can worsen sinus and ear discomfort. Take extra care after flying if you were already badly congested.

Avoid diving with ear pain

For nasal rinsing, use a sterile pharmacy saline product or a solution made with boiled water and table salt rather than seawater. Get medical help for fever, severe facial pain, or worsening symptoms.

Boiled water + table salt