Clearing sinus before Dive Holiday

[Canard]

I am a novice diver and recall from my training that diving using decongestants put you at risk to reverse squeeze. However, this weekend I was in my LDS and commented to the owner that I had had a cold for 3 weeks and that right now I couldn't equalize in the bath tub. This got us to the topic of preparing for a dive holiday and he counselled that about 10 days before his departure he starts on a course of decongestants and continues to take them throughout the trip.

Now I am not travelling soon and I know that my cold will long be history by then but I was intrigued by his suggestion of preventative medication, especially as I have allergies to a variety of irritants and can suffer from the effects at various times of the year.

So my question is what can be done in advance of a dive holiday to prepare your sinuses without compromising your safety?

 

[FishDiver]

Google "Neti pot"

Easy, safe and often effective.

 

[Gene_Hobbs]

Google "Neti pot"

Easy, safe and often effective.

I second!

Old thread: http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=162312

 

[fisherdvm]

Cool, never heard of neti pot till now. Have you tried it??

 

[spectrum]

There is a lot to be said for hydration including locally to nasal passages with saline solutions. When our tissues are well hydrated they are full and robust. As we dry up we become sponges willing to accept and absorb anything that presents itself.

Pete

 

[fisherdvm]

I had had a cold for 3 weeks and that right now I couldn't equalize in the bath tub. This got us to the topic of preparing for a dive holiday and he counselled that about 10 days before his departure he starts on a course of decongestants and continues to take them throughout the trip.

So my question is what can be done in advance of a dive holiday to prepare your sinuses without compromising your safety?

If I would prepare, I would bring some claritin or non drowsy antihistamines along, and use it daily at least 2 hours before the dive. Congestions often gets worse with hypothermia, so dress warm under the water and above the water. If your cold is 3 weeks old, and you still can't equalize, and your trip is coming up soon, I would see a doctor to see if some antibiotic is needed and get checked for a possible sinusitis. Many on this board swears by sudafed and long acting decongestants, but you have to know its risks and accept responsibility for your risk.

 

[Diving Doc]

i often get blockages in my sinuses and have found the most affective way of clearing them is to put 5 drops of eucalyptus oil in a pot of hot water and have regular steam breathing sessions. Seems to work for me!

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Canard,

Might wish to check out NeilMed Sinus Rinse.

Research:

"Preliminary Report:

Prophylactic Nasal Irrigation to Facilitate Middle Ear Pressure Equalization in Experienced Scuba Divers

David F Colvard, MD Raleigh, NC

Objective: Middle ear squeeze caused by difficulty equalizing the pressure in ears during descent and ascent is among the most common problems in recreational scuba divers. Many divers use pre-dive oral or topical decongestants to help equalize pressure in their middle ears and sinuses. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of the alternative of nasal irrigation prophylaxis among experienced divers to facilitate middle ear pressure equalization and reduce the use of decongestant medications.

Methods: Web-based "Before" and "After" questionnaires were taken by experienced scuba divers who had previously reported having difficulty equalizing their middle ears or having used oral or topical decongestants and who volunteered to use free samples of NeilMed's SINUS RINSE? irrigation system before diving. (Surveys were taken between Nov 2005 and Sep 2006.)

Results: One hundred male and female experienced divers completed both "Before" and "After" web-based questionnaires. Forty-four (44.0%) reported less nasal congestion after using SINUS RINSE? and ten (10.0%) reported more nasal congestion. Sixty-nine (69.0%) reported less frequent difficulty in clearing or equalizing their ears and five (5.0%) reported more frequent difficulty. Forty-one of 68 divers (60.3%) for whom use of oral decongestants were applicable reported decreased or discontinued use. Twenty-one of 38 divers (55.3%) for whom use of decongestant sprays or drops were applicable reported decreased or discontinued use. None reported increased use of decongestants in any form. Seventy-two (72.0%) would recommend the SINUS RINSE? system to other divers and three would not.

Conclusions: Experienced scuba divers continue to dive despite the medical relative risk of nasal congestion and difficulty clearing or equalizing their middle ears. Nasal irrigation can effectively and safely reduce nasal congestion and decrease the frequency and difficulty in clearing or equalizing their middle ears in many divers. Additionally, nasal irrigation can decrease the use of decongestants, both oral and spray or drops, and reduce the risk of rebound congestion and reverse middle ear squeeze during or after a dive when the decongestants might have worn off. A nasal irrigation system like NeilMed's SINUS RINSE? appears to be an economical, convenient, safe, and effective prophylactic alternative to decongestant medications for many recreational divers who choose to dive despite the medical relative risk of nasal congestion and difficulty clearing or equalizing their middle ear. "


Testimonials
http://www.neilmed.com/

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[Canard]

Thank-you all for the well-considered responses. I have just recovered from a several day internet failure or would have thanked you earlier. As a novice, I don't know yet whether I have a problem with sinuses, which made me reluctant to pursue the drug regime recommended by some. As a life long allergy sufferer I am already treating that condition and the prospect of nasal hydration actually offers relief from those symptoms as well as making diving more fun. This forum is a wonderful resource.

Cheers

 

[Jcsgt]

I have been using NeilMed Sinus Rinse for about two weeks, now. My sinuses typically feel so good after a rinse, but the last two days I can't seem to lessen the congestion. I have been having a bout with allergies. Can any of the docs out there tell me if it would be harmful to use the rinse more than twice a day?