Cause

• According to the "European Respiratory Journal," inhaling chlorine can cause the sinus cavities to become inflamed, reducing the amount of air allowed in the
  nostrils and restricting nasal discharge. If a person has a heightened sensitivity to chlorine, the sinuses can easily get irritated. When they are irritated, they swell, interfering with the normal function of breathing.
  
  

Symptoms

• Nasal congestion from chlorine will manifest itself after exposure to chlorine whether direct contact or from chlorine gases in the air. Sinus pressure, also called sinus headaches, is a common symptom off nasal congestion from chlorine. A person may experience pain in the forehead, the eyes or the back of the neck. Nasal discharge down the back of the throat (postnasal drip) is another common symptom. Postnasal drip occurs because the normal sinus drainage becomes trapped, leaving the mucus nowhere to go but down the throat.
  
  

Prevention

• One of the best ways to avoid nasal congestion from chlorine is to avoid this chemical. Replace current household cleaners containing chlorine with non-chlorine cleansers such as all-natural products. If using chlorine for any reason, wear protective gloves and face mask to minimize exposure. If chlorine comes in contact with the skin, wash it with soap and water as soon as possible.
  
  

Treatment

• A natural approach to treating sinus congestion is to use a saline solution, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Saline solution comes in nasal washes, nasal sprays and nasal rinses and can be purchased at a pharmacy. Medications used to treat sinus congestion from chlorine include oral decongestants, nasal decongestants and anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, used for sinus pain pressure.
  
  

Considerations

• Chlorine is a highly toxic chemical and should be used with caution. Not all nasal congestion is the result of exposure to chlorine and should be evaluated by a doctor for proper diagnosis. People who are around chlorinated pool water may be at higher risk of developing nasal congestion from chlorine, according to Publix Pharmacy.