Decongestants???

[JPG]

Have any of you used a decongestant with any success? I seem to have a small amount of fluid behind the membrane of one ear. This will sometimes cause a feeling of vertigo while on land. While diving I have experienced the vertigo sensation while ascending. Knowing that decongestants will help with this is all good. However, Sudafed keeps me awake all night before the dive and gets my heart racing. Does anyone use anything else?

Thanks,
Joe

 

[TropicalDiver]

If you don't dive often, Afirin inhalant decongestant can work wonders for clearing problems. Works quick, so can use just before diving. Gotta use only occasionally though, as can develop a tolerance for it.

This is based only on my personal experience and is not medical advice; however.

 

[00scuba]

I use Claritin ...it has helped me greatly! Even the generic version works. My ears are often congested ..and i feel like i am under water on land. It doesn't keep me up at night either..and it's a 24 tablet...less to take.

I hate to take meds...but anything to make sure i can dive.

 

[JPG]

If you don't dive often, Afirin inhalant decongestant can work wonders for clearing problems. Works quick, so can use just before diving. Gotta use only occasionally though, as can develop a tolerance for it.

This is based only on my personal experience and is not medical advice; however.

I love the Afrin too. That may be part of the problem. You can actually get a little addiction to it. They say not to use it for more than a few days straight. That's why I'm looking for another wonder drug! for the multi day trips.
I'll look into the claritin. Thanks guys.
JPG

 

[DandyDon]

"Sudafed" - Ailse 5!" (Uh, hope you've heard the radio ad...?)

The generic Pseudoephedrine, or Brand name Sudafed, seems to be the most popular decongestant among divers. Run a Search on either name and you'll find lots! I take a generic form with an antihistimine additive...

Some people react to it, though, so if you do use it - try it a few days before diving, to make sure you're comfortable with it. Also, do not take it when diving Nitrox as it's thought to possibly increase OxTox.

Claritin/Loratadine is not a decongestant. It's a popular antihistimine. It helps with some of the same problems, but does so by block histimines, not by direct decongesting. May increase narcosis...?

Claritin D is a combination of both.

 

[JPG]

"Sudafed" - Ailse 5!" (Uh, hope you've heard the radio ad...?)

The generic Pseudoephedrine, or Brand name Sudafed, seems to be the most popular decongestant among divers. Run a Search on either name and you'll find lots! I take a generic form with an antihistimine additive...

Some people react to it, though, so if you do use it - try it a few days before diving, to make sure you're comfortable with it. Also, do not take it when diving Nitrox as it's thought to possibly increase OxTox.

Claritin/Loratadine is not a decongestant. It's a popular antihistimine. It helps with some of the same problems, but does so by block histimines, not by direct decongesting. May increase narcosis...?

Claritin D is a combination of both.

A good point on the claritin. I don't like the Sudafed because I can't sleep at night and it gets my heart racing. I think I'll have to go wih the afrin for now.
Maybe if I just space it out over the multiple days I won't end up an afrin junkie!!!

 

[Bob3]

It would be a good idea to check with your ENT, especially considering your rapid heartbeat with the Sudafed.
I'm on Flonase (by prescription), once I started on that I didn't bother having my tubes reinstalled.

 

[DandyDon]

It would be a good idea to check with your ENT, especially considering your rapid heartbeat with the Sudafed.
I'm on Flonase (by prescription), once I started on that I didn't bother having my tubes reinstalled.

Good catch, Bob!

Yep, even OTC drugs come with cautions, and if you've had problems with one, talking with your physicians would be a very good idea...

 

[scubadiverjunkie]

I use Claritin ...it has helped me greatly! Even the generic version works. My ears are often congested ..and i feel like i am under water on land. It doesn't keep me up at night either..and it's a 24 tablet...less to take.

I hate to take meds...but anything to make sure i can dive.

Claritan is definitely my Diving Dryg of choice....Take this as I head out the door and I am good all day and night !!!

Great stuff.

 

[ScubaDadMiami]

Before making a move, you really want to see a diving ENT. Usually one or two visits to find the right combination for you (if medication is warranted). I find that a small price to pay for a lifetime of diving.

I have taken Claritin-D before (back when it was Rx). This seemed to work well for me without other side effects.

I have also tried using Flonase. For me, this actually caused problems with equalization that I did not have before. However, this is probably the most widely prescribed drug these days for divers with equlization issues.

In the past, I have seen doctors advise some patients to use Benzedrex inhalers. They are OTC.

Stay away from Pseudofed due to ox tox issues.

If you take medication, make sure you are on it long enough before your dive for your condition to stabilize. Also, make sure that you are taking it for long enough to know of and avoid possible side effects while diving.