kind of a gross question

[Scuber]

HI,
I have a gross question. Sorry. If I have no congestion, but have sinus drainage accompanied with an annoying cough mostly at night, is it safe to go diving? I will be diving a week from tomorrow in Cozumel. If the Doc gives me something to clear it up, will it be safe with antibiotics in my system?

Thanks.

 

[JMcD]

A call to DAN will help with understanding the impacts of any drugs you are on as they relate to Diving. Additionally, your doctor can call DAN if he/she is willing to take the time.

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/

 

[Footslogger]

Not groos to me. I recently returned from a 1 week liveaboard and about a week before the trip I started to feel as if I was getting a sinus infection. I started on a Z-pack and a strong decongestant (hydrovent). I "felt" better by the day of departure on the trip but my symptoms had begun to subside. But I was still coughing and producing a lot of phlegm and nasal drainage.

I just stayed on the decongestant and drank a LOT of fluids (mainly water and juices). In the beginning, after surfacing from every dive my mask was loaded with bloody mucus (now THAT's gross!!) but that's easy to deal with. I actually think that the diving aided in clearing my congestion. By the middle of the week of diving my congestion was gone.

Your experience may vary and I agree that it's never a bad idea to run your symptoms/history by one of the dive medics at Dan.

'Slogger

 

[scubabear]

There aren't many divers who have not ,at one time or another had to take decongestants to save a dive trip. A couple of points, be aware of how meds. affect you out of the water, some will speed your heart rate, not critical but can unerve some people at depth. Do not push your ears equalizing, better to call the dive. Antibiotics can make you more sensitive to sun, and many should not be taken while drinking. Tough to do in the land of Carlos & Charlies Checking with DAN is not a bad idea, but a little common sense can go a long way, if you get in the water and it doesn't feel right call the dive and enjoy the scenery topside. You'll always have opportunities for future dives that way. Enjoy

 

[Scuber]

Thanks for the replies. I did check out the DAN website and will contact my personal physician tomorrow. I really would hate to use an antibiotic-as I enjoy the sun, as well as the refreshing cervezas!!

 

[DandyDon]

Since you're in the states, call the Diver Alert Network at 1-800-446-2671 in the morning while you waiting for a doc's appointment, but get in to see yours ASAP. Any meds you need to take need to be started ASAP - for one, in case you have any problems with the Upper or Downer effects, it's best to have those before you travel.

As I recall, the only antibiotics that cause problems with sun are the cyclines. I got a nasty burn once taking doxycycline. If you need these, ask about cillins or mycins. Or just ask which are best when you're gonna be in the sun, but still use lots of sun block, as the water almost doubles the effect.

 

[AaronR103]

Ditto on the decongestants. Claritin-D 24hr will dry you out like the Sahara. I would also recommend heading to the deep end of your local pool before you go to make sure you don't have any equalizing problems before you get on the boat.

A

 

[Willie]

Ditto on the decongestants. Claritin-D 24hr will dry you out like the Sahara.

I typically use Sudafed 6 hr capsules if I am a bit congested. But Sudafed is known to increase heart rate & blood pressure in some. What is a better choice? I know an instructor that always uses Afrin nose spray before dives. I am hesitant to try something new as I want to make sure it is going to work for me.

Willie