Ear/Sinus issues

[Trianii]

Hello all...looking for some words from the wise....

I have some issues with seasonal allergies, I take medication periodically, but prefer not to. I've experienced sinus and ear pressure in the past when snorkeling, and the advice I've gotten from many people is to take Sudafed before snorkeling or attempting to dive. I did an intro dive this past summer, just to see if I'd be able to equalize before I dropped a lot of money into lessons and gear. The divemaster was very patient with me, and I was able to get to the bottom....slowly....but I got there.....so I was very excited

My issue is that Sudafed has lost effectiveness for me, I think. I've used it off and on for years in lieu of prescriptions, so it doesn't seem to do much for me anymore. I DO use the old formulation-the one you now have to show ID to buy....not the new stuff...so that shouldn't be the issue.

This past weekend I started feeling a little sniffly but I popped some Sudafed before I did my pool time (confined water dive) and I also took some more when we took a break. It took me a couple minutes to equalize and get to the bottom, but once I got there, I felt fine, no pain or pressure. Afterward, however, one ear still feels "closed up" like I just got off a plane. No pain, just can't get it to equalize back and it's been 2 days. I've gotten some very mild cold symptoms, so I've been taking Nyquil and popping the Sudafed like they're M&M's. I've talked to 2 different pharmacists and their standard answer is Sudafed.

I'm hoping this particular issue is just that I was starting to get sick, and I'll be fine in a couple days. (I hope so, I'm supposed to start OW this weekend!!!) However, does anyone have any suggestions for another medication that's worked for them? I'm considering vented ear plugs too....any thoughts on those?


Thanks in advance!

 

[ArcticDiver]

The single smartest things you can do are to first do some web research at sites like scubadocand webmd then with some idea of the language seek the advise of an ENT doc who understands hyperbarics. Be sure you understand the advise and then follow it.

Sometimes what someone on the web says, or what a friend says opens a door of understanding. But, this isn't one of those areas. You have some pretty serious long term quality of life issues at stake.

For almost everyone I know the issues can be resolved and you can go on having fun.

 

[Green_Manelishi]

See a qualified ENT.

After repeated, aggressive, sinus and middle ear infections mine placed me on a daily regimen of Astelin, Nasonex and oral antihistimine. The combination dramatically helped my ability to equalize.

 

[Trianii]

Thanks! Anyone use vented ear plugs?

 

[dk2943]

I had a problem equalizing. Sudafed did not help. I contacted DAN and they recommended an ENT specialist who was also a diver. He told me to use start using Afrin about 24 hours before I dove, but not to use it more than 3 days in a row. It works GREAT!

 

[ArcticDiver]

Thanks! Anyone use vented ear plugs?

Yes. I use Doc's ProPlugs and find them helpful under certain circumstances.

But, I only started using them after I had completed all the diagnostics and both my doc and I understood my physiology. My belief is that they won't be helpful for everyone, or under all circumstances.

I cannot overemphasize the need for a thorough workup by a Hyperbarics qualified ENT. If you can't find one then I would certainly bring a civilian or military flight surgeon who also is familiar with scuba into the picture.

Good luck on your quest.

 

[tracydr]

I noticed you're from Gilbert and fairly new to the forum. I live part-time in Mesa and part-time in Scottsdale. Will probably be moving to Mesa soon. My boyfriend is a scuba instructor (his own business, not a shop). If you ever need anything let me know.

 

[Trianii]

Hey thanks! I'll keep that in mind, it's always good to have connections!

Yes I'm new to both SCUBA and the forum....but I'm loving both!

 

[KCIREVAM]

Ear candling hollow candles R used to treat the inner ear , Genasal nasal decongestant Doc.s pro ear plugs then there is an article in Diving Training Magizine this month how 2 equalize. It works 4 me.

 

[AggieDad]

After years of fighting ear equalization problems, I finally found an ENT that did a CAT Scan of my sinuses. I had a deviated septum (who doesn't) but my sinus cavities were basically totally clogged with polyps and he said I had a long term chronic sinus infection. After surgery and a daily regime of Asytlin and Nasonex I can now basically dive and fly with no problems. However if I have any congestion I have problems. Find a good ENT, I found mine through DAN, and get it checked out. DO NOT FORCE YOUR EARS DOWN IF YOU CANNOT CLEAR. I was stuck in an airplane on a trip and unable to clear. I have had constant tinnitus in my ear for nearly 25 years. It's not worth it.