Sinus Squeeze Prevention

[ppo2_diver]

I'm posting this in the Basic Discussion group since I would like to get everyone's opinion.

I've searched all of the threads on SS and I haven't read anything about preventing sinus squeeze. My last dive was in October 2002. During my last three dives of the day, I fell victim to severe sinus squeeze. Even though I didn't feel anything during my first dive of the day. Now onto present day. When I was at the pool last weekend, I again suffered from sinus squeeze. I was eventually able to clear it after sitting for 10 minutes at a whopping depth of 5 feet. In October and last week, I felt fine and didn't have a cold.

I would like to know what I can do to try to prevent sinus squeeze in the future. My mom is a doctor so I can get access to prescription (decongestants, allergy, etc) drugs if needed. I'm heading to Maui and Tahiti in May and I really don't want to cancel any dives due to sinus squeeze. Thanks for your opinions.

Duane

[scuberd]

first -- stay away from drugs, they have a nasty habit of wearing off at depth, then it hurts to come up

second-- try to start to equalize before you think you need to. The more pressure there is, the harder it will be to clear.

third-- if you find it hard to equalize, ascend a couple of feet and try again.

take it slow and don't blow too hard. Equalize early equalize often

Have fun on Maui

[ppo2_diver]

I can clear my ears just fine. It's my sinuses that are giving me problems. Mostly above the eyes.

[scubaredneck]

If you are having problems with your sinuses then there might be some sort of blockage. This might be caused by some feature of your sinuses or by some slight swelling that you may not even be aware of. The best thing would be for you to visit an ENT who knows something about diving and get this thing checked out.

You should also probably post this in the Dive Medicine portion of the forum since that's where the docs hang out.

[Arduous]

Ears, sinuses, it’s all part of equalizing. Try to start equalizing before you submerge. That is on the surface, pinch your nose and give a little blow to in affect over pressurize yourself. Over pressurizing is just a term here. You only blow gently, just enough to get that blocked feeling in your ears. The submerge and equalize early and often.

Scubaredneck, has a good point, in that you may have an actual sinus problem and may need to be treated. Seeking the counsel of a doctor is a prudent action.

[Amanda]

I too think that medical advice is needed here- just pay a little visit to your Dive Doc

[the sharkman]

I have some minor discomfort after diving too. My discomfort is in my ears. No pain, however I feel a little like my head is in a bucket (like my ears won't pressurize/ depressurize). It always takes about 16-24 hrs to clear up. Finding a "diving" doctor is difficult, so I have yet to have it diagnosed. I just figured that 1) this was normal or 2)I may have some minor abnormality in my sinuses or ears, causing my ears to take some time in pressurizing.

:guitar:

[Dectek]

Find a Diving Doc or an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist in your area. {{{I am NOT telling you to do this}}}}} When ever I go on a dive trip where just sitting out one day will kill me.....I start taking sudafed 12 hour tablets about two days before the trip starts and the whole time I am gone.

[Texas Tek-diver]

It's not a bad idea to have a doctor check out your sinuses before going to Maui.

I found an Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist who is also a diver.

It was great having a doctor who could actually relate with the problem.

Best of luck!

[zippy]

I have similar issues, and I have since I started diving.
I was certified by an instructor that is a nurse, and after a bout of vertigo on a dive trip I saw THREE ENTs. One in Austrailia and two state side.

I have a deviated septum and other sinus issues.
I have elected not to have these problems fixed at the advice of the physicians. (If it becomes intolerable, I will look into surgery).

Like Dectek, I start Sudafed 1-2 days before I leave for my trip and continue this through the end of the trip. I also use Nasonex on a daily dasis

Descent is very slow, usually taking me 2-3 min. to get to 30 feet. Below thirty, I am fine. This is usually not an issue even in a larger group, just get in early, by the time everyone is in I am to the point where I have equalized.

My ears usually take 5-7 days to fully clear after 5-6 days of diving.

Again, I would recomment an ENT to insure there is nothing wrong, but you are not alone with this malady.