First dive is next week, do i have to give up?

[Samuel Pierre]

Hi,

Let me explain the situation im in.

As part of my training to become a marine biologist, i decided to take diving lessons.

I started my first theory lessons a couple weeks ago, and the first dive is scheduled next Monday.

One thing i saw in class is the importance of equilibrating the pressure in your sinuses and how you should never ever dive with a runny nose, and how medication and sprays arent reliable to go around the problem.

My situation though is that ive had a runny nose for basically my entire life. Always had one nostril or tge other at all time partially or fully stuffed...

Am i screwed? This could seriously hamper my marine biologist career...

 

[They call me Tater]

Perhaps you should consult a doctor to determine WHY you have a chronic condition. It may be treatable and there are things you may be able to do, but only after you get checked out.

Good luck.

 

[rsingler]

Easy answer: can you "pop" your eardrums? In other words, when you fly on an airplane, what do you do on descent for landing? Or do you just tolerate the pain?
If you can pop your ears, you can equalize. If you can equalize you can dive.
As for life-long runny nose, are you on nasal steroids? You can still dive. Whatever meds you use to get through the day you can probably continue.
Google and download the RSTC medical questionnaire and guide to physicians, and take it to your doc. Between the two of you, I'm guessing you can work things out.

If you absolutely can't equalize, or are plagued with chronic sinusitis, diving may not be for you. Again, take that guide to your doc and have a chat.

Cheers!
Diving Doc

 

[rsingler]

https://www.padi.com/documents/padi-courses/2.1.5 rstc medstate v201.pdf

 

[BoltSnap]

This medical condition should have been pointed out in the medical questionnaire at the start of the course and your instructor should have sent you to your doctor for clearance. You should go to a specialist physician to determine what's what and if you can or can't dive. It isn't something that can be taken lightly or discussed here to make a decision on your ability to dive.

 

[dlofting]

As long as you can equalize, you'll be fine. I have a similar situation with a runny and/or plugged nose, particularly when I'm exercising. It has never affected my ability to dive.

 

[KevinNM]

But DO NOT descend if you are in pain. Don't force it either. If you cannot gently clear then today is not your day to go diving.

 

[MargaritaMike]

It isn't something that can be taken lightly or discussed here to make a decision on your ability to dive.

I one hundred per cent (100%) agree, and cannot emphasize that enough. Get with your doctor and/or a reputable E.N.T. doctor to get the real answer.
Good luck and I hope to see you underwater!
Cheers - MM

 

[nolatom]

Have you tried phenelyphrine hydrochloride nasal spray? It may work as a short-term measure,likely long enough for a 30-minute dive. Try it out first, don't wait for the dive!!

But the more sure method is to see an ENT doc. They have steroid sprays that can alleviate the problem more permanently.

 

[TMHeimer]

Of course I agree with seeing a doctor (ENT), preferably one well versed in diving. I have successfully dived at the tail end of a cold with some congestion, though equalisation was with varying degrees of difficulty (normally, I never have any problems whatsoever). A couple of times I had a pool handy and simply tried to go down in the deep end to 8 feet or so. If successful, I proceeded to dive. Not recommending anything, just passing on my own experiences.