Alergies & Diving

[scSCUBA]

I fight low - moderate alergies. Not really congested, but need to blow my nose sometimes. Meds seems to control symtoms. Should this be a big concern? Should I just not dive?

 

[Firefilly]

I'm not a doctor and don't pretend to give medical advice but think would be ok to share what my first instructor told our class about this one,,, please verify and feel comfortable with your risk assesment, based on your findings, before proceding.

If you need to take antihistamine (sp?), just remember to take it long enough before the dive to be in effect on the dive and stop diving within a half hour of its normal "wear off" time. What happens if you don't is that, in normal conditions the sinuses will swell past the point of their original level when you took the medication while it's wearing off (kinda overcompensation),,, anyway, under pressure, the effect is magnified and could cause membrane damage under some circumstances.

I personally use them and plan accordingly and have never had a problem,,, do your own checking and go with what you discover to be safe for you.

Hope that helps! Will look forward to reading other responses as (as mentioned) I use them myself

edited to save an apostrophe from misuse

 

[Panzer70]

I fight low - moderate alergies. Not really congested, but need to blow my nose sometimes. Meds seems to control symtoms. Should this be a big concern? Should I just not dive?

I would suggest to see an allergist. I been getting allergy shots for the last couple of years and they been helping to keep my allergies and asthma under control, they don't brother me much anymore and I'm allergic to everything (trees, dust, ragweed, dogs, cats, pollen, mold short list). The big plus is the air you are breathing for scuba is ultra filtered so it does have many impurities. LOL
tom

 

[DandyDon]

I fight low - moderate alergies. Not really congested, but need to blow my nose sometimes. Meds seems to control symtoms. Should this be a big concern? Should I just not dive?

Many divers take Sudafed type decongestants an hour before Air dives to help with ear tubes. NOT on Nitrox dives.

Antihistimines are a totally different type of med for allergies. They are often helpful, but it's good to know which is which and how they work.

I'll take both the night before a Nitrox dive, but neither the day of the dives until I'm finished. I just blow my nose, sometimes underwater, farmboy style. Saline nose drops can help, too.

What are you currently taking...?

 

[scSCUBA]

Taking zyrtec-D. Twice a day and a nasal spray (Flonase). I use saline because it dries out the nose so much.

Many divers take Sudafed type decongestants an hour before Air dives to help with ear tubes. NOT on Nitrox dives.

Antihistimines are a totally different type of med for allergies. They are often helpful, but it's good to know which is which and how they work.

I'll take both the night before a Nitrox dive, but neither the day of the dives until I'm finished. I just blow my nose, sometimes underwater, farmboy style. Saline nose drops can help, too.

What are you currently taking...?

 

[DandyDon]

Okay, I found this on their web site. Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride is the chemical from which Sudafed gets its name, the same one many divers take. I cannot tell you it's safe for you, but I gather an physician precribed it for you? I don't know anything about the antihistimine Cetirizine hydrochloride, but the warnings sound pretty benign.

Zyrtec-D
Pronounced: ZEER-tek
Generic ingredients: Cetirizine hydrochloride, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride


Why is this drug prescribed?


Zyrtec-D contains the same antihistamine found in regular Zyrtec, plus the decongestant pseudoephedrine. The drug is prescribed to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and similar allergies, whether seasonal or year-round.

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Most important fact about this drug


Unlike regular Zyrtec, this drug should be avoided by anyone with severe heart or blood pressure problems.


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How should you take this medication?


Zyrtec-D comes in 12-hour extended release tablets, and should be taken no more than twice a day. The tablet may be taken with or without food, but should be swallowed whole, without breaking or chewing.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.


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What side effects may occur?



More common side effects may include:
Dry mouth, fatigue, sleepiness

Other side effects may include:
Dizziness, excitability, headache, insomnia, heart palpitations, irregular or rapid heartbeat, nausea, nervousness, restlessness, sore throat, weakness

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Why should this drug not be prescribed?


If you are allergic to any of Zyrtec-D's ingredients, to the similar drug Atarax, or to certain drugs that tend to raise blood pressure (adrenergic agents), do not take Zyrtec-D. Symptoms that indicate a sensitivity to adrenergic agents include insomnia, dizziness, weakness, tremor, or irregular heartbeat.

You should also avoid Zyrtec-D if you have severe high blood pressure, severe heart disease, high pressure in the eye (glaucoma), or difficulty urinating. Never combine Zyrtec-D with a drug classified as an MAO inhibitor, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate.


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Special warnings about this medication


If you have a mild case of high blood pressure or heart disease, use Zyrtec-D sparingly. Be cautious, too, if you have diabetes, a tendency to increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma), an overactive thyroid gland, or an enlarged prostate gland. If you have kidney or liver problems, make sure your doctor is aware of it. Your dosage may have to be reduced.

Zyrtec-D makes some people sleepy. Exercise caution when driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery after taking this drug.

This drug is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Another resource for more information, or for more qualified answers to your questions than I can give, would be DAN - thier web site, or call them at the number on your card...

 

[miketsp]

I suffer from allergy to dust, pollen, temperature changes, you name it. All provoke sneezing & runny nose. In years of diving I never had any problems clearing due to this cause.