I just got back from a week in Utila where I had to miss the last 3 dives after my ear decided it didn't want to cooperate anymore. It would equalize but it just didn't feel right, so I stayed shallower fearing a possible reverse block on the accent. After the dive it felt blocked and I couldn't get any air into or out of my ear for 2 days, then it started to hurt but at least it would equalize enough for my flights home. I saw a doctor this morning and got drops for swimmer's ear and some oral antibiotics for a possible deeper infection (the area of my neck where I imagine the Eustachian tube is is a bit swollen and sore at times). She also gave me Nasonex to cut down on congestion which she says can make infections more likely.
I asked about prevention for my upcoming trip to Bonaire and she said I could use swimmer's ear drops and the Nasonex or an antihistamine to cut down on the congestion (not that I feel very congested, but she said I was). So I'm wondering: is this safe and/or useful and does congestion really have anything to do with ear infections?
I asked about prevention for my upcoming trip to Bonaire and she said I could use swimmer's ear drops and the Nasonex or an antihistamine to cut down on the congestion (not that I feel very congested, but she said I was). So I'm wondering: is this safe and/or useful and does congestion really have anything to do with ear infections?