Feeling generally under the weather

[Brianna]

Hi everybody! I'm taking my certification classes now, and last night was the first time we were in the pool with scuba gear on. We went into the deep end- 13 feet. Sitting at the bottom we were practicing filling our masks with water and clearing them out. I had a slight freak out and came to the top of the pool to get the water out of my mask. I had a hard time equalizing on the way back down and I'm not sure if I got my right ear popped all the way. Today my ears and throat are sore, I feel tired and just under the weather. Could this be related to last night or could it just be a coincidence and I'm coming down with a cold?

 

[Wookie]

You've stressed your sinuses, causing them to drain into the back of your throat, just like when you first get a cold. You probably got a little water up your nose, further irritating it. I wouldn't worry about it, you might take a decongestant to dry you out, but don't dive even in the pool if you are stuffy. A note of caution: I get wicked sinus infections when I snort pool water. Same with ear infections. If you are feeling really stuffy, go see your ENT and get the problem fixed.

I am not a doctor and in no way qualified to give medical advice. Of course, I'm a boat captain, so I am a self-proclaimed expert on most everything. Good luck with class.

 

[Brianna]

Thanks! I definitely got a lot of water up my nose. It's a bit tricky trying to learn how to breathe, especially with water in my mask. My next class is Monday, so I hope I'll be unstuffed by then.

 

[nimoh]

I have read some other discussion where people have recommended to wear your mask around the house half full of tap water to practice breathing through your mouth only. I have never tried this, but it makes sense to me.

 

[DandyDon]

Thanks! I definitely got a lot of water up my nose. It's a bit tricky trying to learn how to breathe, especially with water in my mask. My next class is Monday, so I hope I'll be unstuffed by then.

Snorkeling is great practice pre-scuba. Wearing mask and breathing thru mouthpiece with face in water, then doing it with a full mask.

Some of us always take decongestants before diving, and rinse ears with alcohol/vinegar mix after.

 

[Brianna]

Snorkeling is great practice pre-scuba. Wearing mask and breathing thru mouthpiece with face in water, then doing it with a full mask.

I've done plenty of snorkeling over the years in my pool, and we did snorkel the first day of class. I think maybe being in the deep end just knowing I couldn't stand up if I needed to just made it more difficult than it had to be.

I also have general anxiety and I'm trying my best to remain calm learning to scuba!