Colds, Cough and Diving

[cadiver67]

Hello All,

I know the dangers of diving while sick.

But how about when you feel pretty darn good, but have just a few
mild lingering symptoms?

Would you dive if you had very slight stuffiness,
would a 12 hour Sudafed take care of this.

How about a mild cough - not coughing all the time just maybe once every hour or two - but have a little phlegm.

Have a non refundable boat trip booked for this Saturday 10/21/06 on the Second Stage out of San Pedro.

My kids are sick - I am almost over it - my wife/dive buddy might be just starting with it.

So if I can't make it on Saturday - is there anyone local to me that wants to take my 2 spots? Its all paid for and includes food and air fills. Thats if we can't make it. I will let you know by Friday how we are feeling.

 

[skywalk]

ALWAYS be safe. Nobody can answer your question. A drugged out diver can be a dangerous diver. Mild symptoms, no problems equalising...might be doable. but if you can't equalize, are groggy due to drugs, coughing and can't breathe that well...skip the dive. no amount of money can make up for your drowning. make sense?

be safe, and take care

 

[CC1020]

In addition to the other points made above, you may want to consider that taking pseudoephedrine drugs (like Sudafed) can increase your chance of oxygen toxicity if you happen to be diving Nitrox.

 

[Damselfish]

you're really the only one that can tell if you're good to go or not. I am more inclined to dive when a cold is just about gone, not so much when it is starting.

 

[JRScuba]

In addition to the other points made above, you may want to consider that taking pseudoephedrine drugs (like Sudafed) can increase your chance of oxygen toxicity if you happen to be diving Nitrox.

I find that this is an interesting statement. How did you come up it?
Supporting data would be helpfull.

 

[Damselfish]

it's a commonly known theory. See http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/articles/article.asp?articleid=51

 

[all4scuba05]

Is it just a theory so far?

 

[Gary D.]

First off remember that EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT!

I must have estuation tubes the size of fire hoses because I can dive with a cold, flu or a host of other ailments without any problems. I can also beat a rock to the bottom.

Is that from my body’s make-up or years of diving? I don’t know but being sick just doesn’t seem to matter much. I rarely have a clearing problem and then it is very minor.

There are other guy’s on my team that plug up if they get the sniffles. It has nothing to do with them or their ability to get the job done. They just CAN’T dive sick.

It’s no big deal. Do what works for you.

Gary D.

 

[wallacm]

Everyone is different, and you are the only one that can judge yourself. As for myself, if i can equalize i dive, sometimes ill drop down to 20 ft and cant equalize so i do end up calling the dive, but i always try.

 

[cummings66]

As long as I can breathe and equalize I'll dive. If I must rely on meds to keep me on my feet I don't dive.

From what you described, were it me I'd probably dive if I met the conditions of the first sentence.