Allergies and diving

[Zoomer]

For all you divers out there that have allergies, what do you do to relieve the congestion so that you can dive? I have spoken to a doctor about my situation, he has perscribed Fexafenadine (ALLEGRA) for relief and he tells me it should be fine to take while diving however they do not always work. The tablets I am taking are a 24 hour tab.

Thoughts, solutions?

Thanks

 

[Noboundaries]

I'm not giving medical advice here. It has recently been discussed for someone with a cold. Same congestion problem. Do a search on Sudafed and find the thread entitled "Advice needed urgently please."

 

[Zoomer]

Thank you. I did forget to mention one other thing, if I take too many over the counter medications it will trigger an asthma attack... it is very rare and very seldom but it does happen so I must avoid over the counter medications. So I was hopping for some other options.

 

[ronbeau]

Thank you. I did forget to mention one other thing, if I take too many over the counter medications it will trigger an asthma attack... it is very rare and very seldom but it does happen so I must avoid over the counter medications. So I was hopping for some other options.

Call DAN (Divers Alert Network) to see if they have any suggestions.

They will answer your questions even if you are not a member.
They have more experience than anyone with recreational diving related medical issues.

DAN Divers Alert Network : Contact DAN

Non-Emergency Medical Questions
1-800-446-2671 or 1-919-684-2948, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm (ET) All Other Inquiries
1-800-446-2671 or 1-919-684-2948

 

[spectrum]

Speaking only as a diver with allergy issues......

I assume you're talking about allergy congestion from airborne contaminants like pollens and dust. The good news is that scuba air is delightfully clean and if you are clear enough when you go under you will enjoy a respite from contaminants during the dive. Diving with an allergy is a different issue than diving with a cold.

My wife and I both have varying degrees of such allergies. For the 1st few summers I was using Flo-nase but I seemed to have evolved out of needing it. My wife has had great results with saline aspirating.

Allevert has been doing a good job at keeping general duct mite irritation at bay during our closed window months. Diving has been slim this winter but I was fine when I did have the chance.

Keep working with your doctor to find whatever keeps it at bay.

Pete

 

[TSandM]

If oral antihistamines are not giving you enough relief from nasal allergy symptoms, the next step would be to try a topical nasal steroid like Flonase. This would definitely be the preferred step to take in an asthmatic.

 

[Zoomer]

Thank you everyone, I am a member of DAN and will give them a call as well as contunue working with my doctor.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Zoomer,

Some types of antihistamines, both OTC and prescription, can trigger asthma attacks. However, others have been demonstrated to be beneficial in certain types of asthma. It is therefore necessary to conditionalize statements about their use.

If your treating specialist has recommended against the use of antihistamines of any type under any circumstances, happily there are alternative treatments.

As suggested by TSandM, the use of a nasal steroid spray, such as Flonase, seems well worth discussing with an asthma/allergy expert.

Please do keep us posted on your situation--it's how we learn.

Helpful?

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

 

[Zoomer]

Doc, Thanks for the info. I have stopped taking the 12 hour chloritrimiton and have not had an asthma attack since (5 years now). My doctor recommended an allergist and to take Allegra and to try Nasonex for relief, seems after a few years in a particular area some people develop allergies (just like what happen to me before in Tucson Arizona), so I am off to the allergist next week.

 

[yyidus]

I tend to suffer from seasonal allergies. I've taken Zyrtec diving and have had no issues (other than my usual drowsiness). Allegra and Claritin have been ok for me (not medical advice, but...)

I would warn against any antihistamine with a -D at the end (i.e. Allegra-D). Since you mentioned you took it for congestion, be SURE it doesn't have a -D (pseudoephedrine, which is the decongestant added for the -D has been linked to problems with diving nitrox. DAN seems to indicate it's ok anyways: DAN Divers Alert Network : Pseudoephedrine & Enriched-Air Diving?
I'm sure others can tell you more.

I will also add that in my experience, diving actually helps clear up my allergies a bit (I end up after the dive with some crap I have to clear out, but feeling like I've been in an air-conditioned room).

does a saline nasal spray help your congestion at all? That's pretty much the
safest thing to use, no drug and clears a lot of congestion cases.

And yeah, flonase/rhinocort/nasal cortisone sprays should help with your nasal problems and I don't know of any issues with those and diving either.