it's scary when it does'nt go away!!!!!!

[dbldone]

Hi everyone

I realise this is a general forum, however my question is medical.
I just came back from a trip to mexico late last night. About 30 hours prior to taking my flight back home to Canada, I did some Cavern diving just outside of Playa del Carmen.

I never really had problem equalizing before this dive, but since this was a cave/cavern experience there was alot of ascend/descend than would normally be done on an open water dive.( max depth 22m )

Bottom line is that for sure i got reverse block(mild pain, always feels like there is water in you're ear and you can't get it out!!!)....no blood!!!

To complicate matters this did not subside when i arrived at the airport in Cancun, so i knew this was going to be a flight i would remember. Take off and ascent was o.k., but descent was a little painful and scary......let's just say i probably broke the "swallowing ones own saliva record "

Well i'm home now and it is still there. So, i guess since i flew with this condition i only made matters worse, i suspect. Question is though, how long will this last for?...it's starting to freak me out!

 

[Bob3]

This has been covered in some other threads, if you can find 'em.
In short, you should make a visit to an ENT just to be on the safe side. He'll probably tell you that you've gone & traumatized your middle ear & there is some fluid buildup. Decongestants are sometimes put to good use; I have positive results with 12 hr Sudafed & flonase, but I understand there are more effective nasal sprays out there.
Sleep with the offending ear pointing up to assist drainage. A heating pad helps relieve discomfort.
The symptoms will usually go away within days to a couple weeks, though mine will sometimes develop a secondary infection. (no fun)

 

[DandyDon]

Call DAN, 24/7: 919-684-8111, collect if you'd like. Dive physician available, and you don't have to be a member. I've done it before.

Also see: http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/index.asp

And we have a Medical forum where these questions work better: http://www.scubaboard.com/f4.html

And Welcome to Scuba Board. :wavey: Put us in your Favorites and check in oftne.

don