Neti-Pots (those saline nasal rinses) and equalizing difficulties

[SayNo2Snow]

Has anyone heard whether those saline nasal rinses are beneficial to aid those with difficulties equalizing pressure in the ears?

I have always had difficulties and lots of pain equalizing my ears when trying to get to depth. This problem only persists for the first 4-5 dives when I begin our annual dive vacation then miraculously I don't seem to have problems for the rest of the dives when on vacation.

For years I figured it was due to a lack of elasticity in my Eustachian Tubes and after a few dives they loosened up.

I recently heard that those saline nasal rinses using a Neti-Pot would be beneficial because they would rinse the crud (technical term) in the tubes out. That my problem was more attributed to this stuff in the sinus and ears plugging up the tubes.

I have no idea if there is any truth to that notion, but I can say that when I return to the surface after those first few dives there is a lot of bright orange coloring in the mucus when clearing my nose and throat (sorry to gross you out!). There is also a bit of blood in the mucus, but I know that is likely from plugging the nose and trying to o hard to equalize.

I would love to hear if anyone out there has heard about these nasal rinses and it there is any substance to them being of benefit for Eustachian Tubes and equalizing problems.

thanks

 

[merxlin]

See this thread. I use it, and love it. Got through 2 dives this weekend that I know I wouldn't have without nasal irrigation. Nasal wash

 

[SayNo2Snow]

Thanks for the information - Perhaps there is some benefit to it.

I tried it for the 1st time tonight - it was easy, nothing like I expected. My trip is still 2.5 months away so we will see if it makes a difference then

 

[mstrdvr]

I had trouble with the mucus build up as well. I went to an Ear Nose and Throat specialist , he immediatly reccommended a netti pot. Also told me I really didn't need those expensive rinses , just use warm water and add about a teaspoon of salt , mix and use. Can be adjusted to your comfort level. I use mine for a day or so before diving to really rinse out , things seem to work much better

 

[diablonyc2]

Hey SayNoToSnow

I had a lot of problems equalizing pressure in my ears when I began. Went to the ENT a number of times. He perscribed Affrin and said try to do the Netti Pot 2x a day. It does feel wierd, but I think it worked better than Affrin. You do have to stay on top of it. But I found my equalization becomming easier and easier!

On a side note, my Chiropracter (who introduced me to the netti pot) has noticed my TMJ acts up when diving season begins...and the side that acts up is the same side that always has the most pain when equalizing. If you go to the chiropracter...have them check it out as well.

 

[MSProScuba]

I'd also look at a different mouth piece diablonyc2. I had noticed some of the same symptoms, changed to a more comfortable mouth piece, problem gone.

 

[DivingOtter]

I am a commercial diver and after an inner ear trauma, had tubes placed in my ears. Since I wear a hard hat and my ears stay dry, it is not an issue. I know this doesnt help you at all but.. Before I had the ear tubes I would frequently use Afrin or Sudafed as I was diving in the winter and was constantly congested. The only problem with Afrin or other nasal sprays is that if you are down for a long time ( sometimes 3-4 hours for me ) it will wear off and the ascent is where you can have the problem with a reverse squeeze. I knew someone who did this and blew their sinus cavity out.

 

[Randy43068]

I'm not a big fan of the pot, but I am a big fan of sinus rinsing. We get the bottles and saline powder from Costco. I prefer the bottle which flushes more water and at a higher pressure (as much or little as you like) into your sinuses.

I find it helps sinus issue and clearing my ears for diving quite a bit.

Years ago I had sinus surgery (actually a couple of them) and the doc recommended I use a nasal suction thing used to suction the nose of an infant (clean of course) filled with mild salt water to flush out my sinuses. I've been an advocate since then.

 

[MNJoe]

I do the Sinus Rinse. It was recommended after I had sinus surgery by my ENT. My nasal passages are more open after the rinse, and if I miss a day, I reallly feel it. I will say, if you are doing the rinse, make sure and use distilled water. I read a few months ago about someone getting a mucus eating ameba in their sinuses and actually dying.
Deaths from brain-eating amoeba linked to sinus remedy for colds | Mail Online

 

[mdax]

avoiding the brain eating amoeba is easy, use distilled water, NEVER tap water in the neti