New OW diver - sinus questions

[Winger67]

Did my classroom/pool stuff back in Illinois before going to Oahu/Big Island/Maui. Saw that Gabe at Kaimana Divers had great references here so he hooked me up with Drew as my dive instructor. Worked out great! I told him I'd be going to Kona for the manta ray night dive. They recommended Kona Diving Company and had an awesome experience. 31 rays for a season high that night! They also recommended Mike Severns Diving on Maui which happened to launch 2 blocks from where we were staying. Dove the backside of Molokini Crater and the St. Anthony artificial reef.

For the most part, everything went pretty well. Still working out some boyancy/weight issues mostly on assent/descent. Renting different BCDs and wet suits makes it a little difficult.

The biggest concern is that after my dive I usually have quite a bit of fluid draining from my nose. Seems mostly on the right side. I also had a hard time equalizing my ear on that side. It's mostly clear but sometimes there is just enough blood to tint it shortly after diving. I could be still draining fluid after blowing my nose hours later but it will be clear. I think I've had sinus issues before because even before diving about once a month my nose will run for apparently no reason. I also have to clear my mask often and first I thought it was just leaking but is it possible it's fluid driving from my nose? I suppose I should see an ENT specialist but any insight would greatly appreciated.

 

[flots am]

The biggest concern is that after my dive I usually have quite a bit of fluid draining from my nose. Seems mostly on the right side. I also had a hard time equalizing my ear on that side. It's mostly clear but sometimes there is just enough blood to tint it shortly after diving. I could be still draining fluid after blowing my nose hours later but it will be clear.

You should probably see an ENT.

It's quite common for a bunch of mucus to drain out right after a dive, however not hours later.

flots.

 

[Bratface]

Seeing an ENT is a good idea. Call DAN to find a specialist in your area. An ENT who understands diving can help you learn to equalize and protect your ears from barotrauma.

 

[TSandM]

If there is no pain and the fluid is clear, you may just be blowing salt water up into your sinuses, and it's draining out when you get in the right position later on. This has happened to me a number of times, and it's quite embarrassing to bend over to pick up your napkin in a restaurant and have your nose sudden pour water all over the floor!

If you are having trouble equalizing, though, or have blood in the fluid, it's probably worth a checkout with an ENT doc.

 

[Winger67]

If there is no pain and the fluid is clear, you may just be blowing salt water up into your sinuses, and it's draining out when you get in the right position later on. This has happened to me a number of times, and it's quite embarrassing to bend over to pick up your napkin in a restaurant and have your nose sudden pour water all over the floor!

Yes. That's what it seems like. Had some problems equalizing the right ear on the earlier dives but got better as I practiced more before the later dives. Definitely stressed it but I don't think it's ruptured. Similar thing happned 8 years ago when I tried discover scuba.

Thanks everyone for the tip. I didn't know DAN could help me find an ENT familiar with scbua. Helpful since I'm not on one of the major coasts.

 

[FiremanIRFD]

Clear fluid isn't always good, spinal fluid is fairly clear. Just for informational purposes, its probably sea water or something, just visit your ENT to get checked