How long to wait after a cold and Nasacort questions

[Mike126]

Couple of questions for the Docs....

How long should you wait to dive after a cold? Is there anything that is really helpful to accelerate the recovery process (Sinus wash etc)?

Also, my ENT (who dives) prescribed Nasacort for me to use on a regular basis. It seems that when I use it I get headaches. I have allergies and take allergy shots. My thought is Allegra and a Sudafed might be a better predive protocol. Is Nascort known to cause headaches?

Thanks, Mike

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Mike,

You should wait until you are no longer congested and are able to equalize and breathe gently and efficiently. You should not be achy, feverish or otherwise feeling poorly.

Colds pretty much run their own course, but getting plenty of rest, staying well-hydrated and taking a decongestant if indicated are prudent steps.

Although not common, Nasacort AQ Nasal Spray does cause headache in some users.

Regarding the use of Sudafed while diving, your might find these threads informative:

http://www.scubaboard.com/search.php?searchid=3491667

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[Mike126]

Hey Doc - Thanks for the advice. Actually my cold turned into a sinus infection. I went to my ENT (who also dives) yesterday and he said fortunately it looks like I caught the infection early. So I'm on Augmenten (sp) and he also put me on a Medrol dose pack to reduce the inflamation. He thought I should be good to go in a couple of weeks.

He did confirm your reply. He switched me to Nasonex since I was getting headaches with Nasacort. Also he suggested that the morning of the dive I should use Afrin to really open my sinuses and eustacean tubes up.

Mike

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Mike,

Given the diagnosis, a Medrol Dose Pack and course of Augmentin should, as your doctor indicates, have you good to go in a couple of weeks.

Many users find Nasonex quite effective. Hopefully you will, too.

If you are using Afrin or a similar spray, follow directions carefully and be aware of the rebound cycles they can cause.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[Mike126]

Thanks Doc.