edylchtims
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How does a deviated septum affect ear clearing?
Deviated septum
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crpntr133
lost, even with a compass
Depends upon how it lies. Mine was way off and caused the nasal flow to redirect more over the Eustachian tubes. Thus I could hardly clear. My ENT told me that without surgery I would never dive and couldn't see how I flew for so many years.
Surgery wasn't the most fun thing that I have ever done in my life but it wasn't bad. All in all it was worth a couple days of mild pain.
Surgery wasn't the most fun thing that I have ever done in my life but it wasn't bad. All in all it was worth a couple days of mild pain.
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Hi edylchtims,
The normal flow of air through the nose and sinuses is disrupted by a deviated septum. The flow on the side of the deviation will be reduced, and if the deviation is severe enough it can essentially block air movement on that side altogether. Conversely, air flow may be greater than normal on the side opposite the deviation. Deviated septum also is associated with sinus problems, particularly congestion and infection, which can cause similar obstruction.
The resulting differential air flow may create differential pressures on the eustachian tubes where they enter the throat. Imbalance in pressure equalization of the ears can ensue.
Helpful?
Regards,
DocVikingo
The normal flow of air through the nose and sinuses is disrupted by a deviated septum. The flow on the side of the deviation will be reduced, and if the deviation is severe enough it can essentially block air movement on that side altogether. Conversely, air flow may be greater than normal on the side opposite the deviation. Deviated septum also is associated with sinus problems, particularly congestion and infection, which can cause similar obstruction.
The resulting differential air flow may create differential pressures on the eustachian tubes where they enter the throat. Imbalance in pressure equalization of the ears can ensue.
Helpful?
Regards,
DocVikingo
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edylchtims
Registered
Thanks DocVikingo
My nose tilts to the left and that is the side I have trouble clearing. I am contemplating surgery. Some previous threads have indicated various recovery times from the surgery and I don't want to miss out on diving. I guess I need to get advice from an ENT.
My nose tilts to the left and that is the side I have trouble clearing. I am contemplating surgery. Some previous threads have indicated various recovery times from the surgery and I don't want to miss out on diving. I guess I need to get advice from an ENT.
crpntr133
lost, even with a compass
I was out for three weeks. Yours may vary.
If you do it be prepared for a new life. I haven't had a sinus infection since. I am now a nose breather and the tartar build up on my teeth is less. Many other things as well.
If you do it be prepared for a new life. I haven't had a sinus infection since. I am now a nose breather and the tartar build up on my teeth is less. Many other things as well.
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Hi edylchtims,
It is the expectation that clearing issues would be on the same side as the deviation.
Divers with problems in equalization due to a seriously deviated septum typically report much improved lives both topside and u/w following surgery.
Return to SCUBA post-septoplasty depends upon a number of factors, including the extent of surgery and procedure used, any complications that may arise, and speed of healing. Given a routine procedure and uncomplicated recovery, healing usually is sufficient to allow for scuba after 3-4 weeks. Some divers return to the water after 2-3 weeks, but given possible trauma to the nose from such things as breathing hyper-dry air, the Valsalva maneuver and pressure from the face mask, it seems prudent to err on the side of conservatism.
Obviously the ENT will be in the best position to advise on matters of timing.
Helpful?
Regards,
DocVikingo
This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.
It is the expectation that clearing issues would be on the same side as the deviation.
Divers with problems in equalization due to a seriously deviated septum typically report much improved lives both topside and u/w following surgery.
Return to SCUBA post-septoplasty depends upon a number of factors, including the extent of surgery and procedure used, any complications that may arise, and speed of healing. Given a routine procedure and uncomplicated recovery, healing usually is sufficient to allow for scuba after 3-4 weeks. Some divers return to the water after 2-3 weeks, but given possible trauma to the nose from such things as breathing hyper-dry air, the Valsalva maneuver and pressure from the face mask, it seems prudent to err on the side of conservatism.
Obviously the ENT will be in the best position to advise on matters of timing.
Helpful?
Regards,
DocVikingo
This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.
harb99
Guest
I had my nose fixed several years ago prior to doing much diving - it improved my topside breathing and my wife noticed much less snoring from me.
Just a note - when I went to the ENT following the nose injury, she found a previous break that was probably a part of the nasal issues that I was having prior to the injury. She fixed both and now as I stated, breathing through my nose is much improved.
crpntr133
lost, even with a compass
Most septums are broken during birth. You never know it is the bad thing.
phantomrfa
Registered
I had the same problem ,didn't find out until i started diving .don't worry simple op to fix day case in at 10am out by 4pm no diving for 3 months get final ok from doc and away you go
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