Hey Everyone,
I have been on a search for answers, and I think I have found them. My trouble, with a lot of divers, has been gagging on post nasal drip (phlegm) while diving. Things that are causing this:
1) Bad nasal passages
2) Not enough water intake, but for some people, there is never enough water intake
3) Anxiety (self propelled from dealing with this issue), but it also makes it worse
4) Depth
5) Exerting physical effort
6) Cold water (50s to 60 degrees)
7) Dry mouth, making it hard to swollow
All these things are factors, but what do we do. Stop diving? NOOOO! I have tried several remedies, and this is what seems to of solved the problem for me, without having to have sinus surgery:
1) Saline Mist (Spray). The Saline sprays are NON-medicated. You can use them as often as you like, and not damage your sinuses. I will use this before my dives to help soften my sinuses, and then blow my nose before getting suited up. Trust me, it helps!!
2) There are mixed reviews on this, but I have had NO ONE who has done it report a bad effect from it.... take Sudafed. In California you need to get this from the pharmacist. It's not a prescription medication, but they monitor it to make sure you're not making Meth. DON'T DIVE IF YOU ARE ON METH!! But seriously, take a Sudafed an hour before your dives, and you will be awesomely fine (Staying in depths of less then 130 feet (I've not tried this deeper)) .
3) Dry mouth - I recently purchased the Apollo Bio Filter. Alone this does not solve the post nasal drip issue at all, but it does give me moisture that helps me to swallow. Even without the Post Nasal Drip, the Bio Filter is really awesome.
That's it guys and gals. These things seem to have worked wonders for me. I was on the verge of giving up diving all together, but now I am back to my DMing, and diving virtually every weekend. Yay!!!
Good luck all!!!!
Dan