Sudafed and diving

[daz88]

everyones body is different. some people can take meds with no effects, other people even mild meds makes them loopy. Doesn't matter what everyone does.....what can you do it what counts.

 

[Chugwhump]

I take Sudaphed during allergy season.
I need it to dive at times.
I cleared it with my then ENT specialist who was a former Navy flight surgeon who was also UDT qualified.
However, that was in the early 80's, and things change.

Chug
Your experience may vary.

 

[Freewillow]

Personally, I was prescribed a form of cortisone in nasal spay by two Hyperbaric doctors. I cannot dive without it. Terrible headache when I do not take it.

 

[Rich Keller]

I remember in my OW class that we were told to not use Sudafed.

Yesterday, my wife saw the most highly recommended ENT in our area. She often has trouble equalizing on the first dive and it takes her a bit to get to depth. Dr. Shepard, who also dives, said he never understood the reason recreational divers shouldn't take Sudafed.

Personally, we are going to take the doctor's advise over PADI's.

The problem with Sudafed in particular is that it can be addictive if it is over used or abused. Once this happens your nose will run all the time unless you keep using it and like any other drug addiction you will have to keep upping the dose as time goes on. In general with any type of decongestant you run the risk of a reverse block if you are underwater and it stops working. Then you will not be able to release the pressure for inside your ears when you are coming up. This is very painful and will result in either rupturing your ear drum or your body filling that air pocket with blood and that will take forever to go away.

 

[kerrycorcoran]

Very interesting read. I am constantly stuffy and have been putting off going to an EMT. I have been able to dive thus far without issue, however it can take me a moment or two to equalize on decent. Thinking it might be time to hit the EMT and get some solid advice before our upcoming trip.

 

[TSandM]

Okay, here's Sudafed from the point of view of a physician:

1. If you take it to deal with congestion, you run the risk of reverse block. Reverse block can do nasty things, ranging from blowing an eardrum, permanent vertigo, or even fracturing the fragile bones around the sinuses. Not good stuff!

2. The drug increases heart rate and blood pressure, and can make people feel nervous before they even get in the water. If you have any anxiety issues at all with diving, diving on Sudafed is not a good idea.

3. There is some information to suggest that the use of sympathomimetics like Sudafed may increase the risk of oxygen toxicity when diving Nitrox.

4. Sudafed is not really addicting, nor does it have a rebound phenomenon like Afrin, so there is no downside from those points of view to taking it regularly. My own experience suggests there may be some tachyphylaxis (decreasing efficacy with time).

 

[DandyDon]

Thanks TSandM.

The problem with Sudafed in particular is that it can be addictive if it is over used or abused. Once this happens your nose will run all the time unless you keep using it and like any other drug addiction you will have to keep upping the dose as time goes on.

I think you're thinking of Meth maybe? Are you a Breaking Bad fan?

No, there are many drugs that are addictive. This ain't one of them.

Very interesting read. I am constantly stuffy and have been putting off going to an EMT. I have been able to dive thus far without issue, however it can take me a moment or two to equalize on decent. Thinking it might be time to hit the EMT and get some solid advice before our upcoming trip.

I've seen various specialists now and then for decades. My dad, brother, sister, daughter, granddaugter, and I have always had issues along with many of my extended family. Some of them are sensitive to cotton gin season, cats, etc. with asthma as the next step. One of the popular discussions at family gatherings has long been "So which antihistamine do you like these days?" That's a related but different type of med.

I don't see the benefit of consulting an EMT (Emergency medical technician) but maybe you meant ENT? For most of us, it's a matter of trying different meds until we find what works for us, then keeping them in stock - my daughter recently decided that Zyrtec is her new favorite antihistamine so I found her a great deal on a year's supply for the generic on Amazon, but pseudoephedrine is the most effective decongestant. Good luck.

 

[kerrycorcoran]

I don't see the benefit of consulting an EMT (Emergency medical technician) but maybe you meant ENT?

If you were unable to ascertain I meant ENT I am shocked you were able to control your motor skills to type a response.

The thread and conversation, of course I meant ENT. D@mn spell check got the best of me on that one.

 

[DandyDon]

Now, this is stupid. He was barred from playing in the Gold medal game and may not even get his Silver medal over Pseudoephedrine? Nicklas Backstrom misses gold medal game over use of banned substance A little extreme there, Olympic committee.

 

[chillyinCanada]

Athletes have been barred and banned before in this manner for similar and lesser. It has occurred to me that they must only be able to use home remedies like mustard plasters and sweat lodges.