Headaches after diving

[demonic_death]

Hi guys,

I also have another problem. I just had my first lesson, and in addition to not being able to equalize, I also experienced a mild headache everytime I exhale through the regulator. I inhale deep and slow just to make it go away, but it comes back everytime I exhale. I am a total newbie and my instructor and I are just doing this in less than 2 meters in the pool. Why am I having this problem? Any help is highly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[hdtran]

Is this also happening on dry land (or at least, head out of the water, but breathing thru regulator)?

How about floating in the pool, head down, but at the surface?

Can you describe where it aches?

 

[H2Andy]

hmmm... sounds like you have sinus problems, maybe? also, if you're not equalizing
properly, it's going to "hurt" and maybe inhaling makes it a bit worse

if your regulator is adjustable, you could set it to an easier-to-breathe setting.

a lot of divers experience equalization problems, but most go on to solve them.
hang in there.

 

[JustAddWater]

Does your mask fit well? Or is it too tight in some places?

 

[demonic_death]

No, it doesn't happen on dry land, and this is the first time I experienced it. It is a mild pain in my head, sort of near my temples. I am just under less than 2m of water.
I don't have sinusitis because I had an X-ray taken and my sinuses are all clear.
Thanks for the feedback guys. I hope this additional info helps.

 

[Georg_R]

you stated: "I inhale deep and slow just to make it go away, but it comes back everytime I exhale."

Do you breathe normal and relaxed, without thinking about it, or are you trying to breathe slowly?
If you try to save air by slowing down your breathing, you get an higher CO2 level - that causes painfull headaches.
Conscious control over breathing in an effort to slow it down can cause higher CO2 levels in your body, try not to think about breathing or better even plan to "waste" the "precious" air, and see what happens.

If the pain starts the moment you submerge, its maybe pressure related, some kind of equalizing problem, - in this case you should talk with your medical doctor.

 

[mempilot]

Breath normally, as you would while sitting watching tv(not the pb channel), and make sure you are exhaling deeply to expend all CO2 from the lungs before inhaling again. Don't forget, we only metabalize a portion of the O2 from the inhalation, but need to make sure we get rid of all the CO2 on the exhalation. Try breathing as though a doctor is listening to your lungs through a stethescope. CO2 retention/buildup will cause the headaches you are describing. Also, your regulator may not be tuned properly / providing easy breathing. Open it all the way up if adjustable, and if not, have a service tech check the pressure settings. Anxiety will cause mild to moderate hyperventilation, so a proper breathing reg is a must.

 

[J75]

Since you've ruled out any sinus issues, my guess would be simple dehydration. It's very common, but often overlooked. Before your next class, try to drink at least a liter of water before the class and immediately after.