Congestion - Sudafed

[sniffsunderclouds]

Hi

I occasionally get a bit of congestion from alergies and use Sudafed Nasal Spray. Does anybody know if this will cause me any problems when using Nitrox or air.

Cheers
Sniffs

 

[fisherdvm]

It has an active ingredient closely related to Afrin. I generally do not recommend using afrin for more than 3 or 5 days, as rebound congestion can occur.

In the same way, Sudafed nasal spray has to be used with caution. They mentioned rebound congestion, but only as a very "slight" indication.

Studies done on Afrin noted no help in preventing barotrauma from airplane flights. I would not trust it to save a dive, as if it wore off or if you are in the rebound period, it can make you more prone to barotrauma.

To get Afrin or other nasal spray to work in the eustachian tube, you have to tilt your neck back... This would cause a nasty irritation to your throat that I did not appreciate....

 

[lazyturtle]

DAN has an excellent list of medicines that can or cannot be safely taken while diving and the reasons for the recommendations. The kind of replies you'll likely get (with a post like this) are (1) don't do it or (2) I've done it and was OK. Both very anecdotal responses if you ask me (which the post does). Personally I fit into category two, but that doesn't mean you should, or that I would take decongestants while diving in the future.

 

[Wildcard]

DAN now says it "appears to help" with clearing and prevention of reverse block. I would not try to use it and dive with a cold or congestion but if it's just a little irritation, it's your call. Check out the afore mentioned DAN list.

 

[Richesb]

Sudafed works fine as long as you follow instructions as to prolonged use.
We use it sort of regularly during tourist season as colds / congestion get pretty common.

 

[sytech]

I use it occassionally and in a very small amount and it helps me. It sure is better than taking it in pill form which has more systemic effects.

Also, you might want to try simple Saline Nasal Drops instead of the Sudafed spray. They help somewhat.

Sy

Sudafed works fine as long as you follow instructions as to prolonged use.
We use it sort of regularly during tourist season as colds / congestion get pretty common.

 

[Darren27]

Sudafed work to help clear your head when diving, however there are concerns that the active ingredient in Sudafed is a CNS exciter and could increase the chance of ox tox when using nitrox. There are many internet articles which state thisand just as many which say its all nonsense. read them all and make your own mind up.

If your have an allergic responseyou could try Flixonase (UK trade name could be different elsewhere), it containse Fluticasone Propionate. I was perscribed this several years ago and have been checked out by both my regualr doc and a specialist diving doc and they have no concerns with using this while diving. Its available without perscription now in the UK so I would expect you cold get it most places.


HTH

Darren

 

[red_infinity]

Sudafed work to help clear your head when diving, however there are concerns that the active ingredient in Sudafed is a CNS exciter and could increase the chance of ox tox when using nitrox. There are many internet articles which state thisand just as many which say its all nonsense. read them all and make your own mind up.

If your have an allergic responseyou could try Flixonase (UK trade name could be different elsewhere), it containse Fluticasone Propionate. I was perscribed this several years ago and have been checked out by both my regualr doc and a specialist diving doc and they have no concerns with using this while diving. Its available without perscription now in the UK so I would expect you cold get it most places.


HTH

Darren

Flonase here in the states, also recommended by a doctor to me once, although I don't really have equalization issues anymore.

 

[FFMDiver]

two words ...Netti pot

 

[Wayward Son]

I take sudafed routinely when diving, but not as a nasal spray. Regular old sudafed pills. Most people don't get any side effects, but if you haven't used it, be sure to take some in advance on a day when you don't have to go any where, just to be sure you don't have any. I also use Afrin spray sometimes when diving, but it's held in reserve only for dive days & used scarcely, to avoid building up a tolerance or experiencing a backlash from it.