Pressure Control

[Guillotine]

I’m not sure if I used the right Title for this thread. Based on my first class in OW course I know that controlling pressure is one of the most important factors in Diving. I actually have a block nose partially most of the time and I you “nose drop” for it. Would that effect my diving? I asked my instructor and he advised me to try it underwater and see for myself.

I think I still can get some information and feedback from ScubaBoard experts.

 

[SmokingMirror]

Ultimately, it doesn't matter whether somebody with a thousand dives logged or somebody with only a few dives logged responds to this question, Guillotine, the answer is still the same: You will need to try it out your yourself.

However, a rough indicator might be whether you have any trouble equalising in non-diving situations, specifically when flying, or when going through a tunnel in a train.

 

[SquattingRadishDM]

As stasted above, try it out yourself and make sure you equalise VERY often before you feel discomfort (every foot if need be). Descend as slow as you need to.

Be aware that anything you take might ware off underwater. You may be congested when at the end of the dive and are about to surface, meaning you MAY have a reverse squeeze. - air has to escape from ur sinuses as you ascend and it expands, if you are congested this may be hindered possible causing a some pain.

 

[scuba_frog]

I am assuming your nose drops are prescription meds. Did you check with your ENT/doc to see if was ok to dive with your condition. Diving is fantastic, but it's not worth the risk if you are putting yourself in jeopardy.

 

[Amy B]

Having recently suffered some sinus problems myself, and experienced a few reverse blocks, all I can say is DO be careful. Take it slow, equalise often, nd if you feel any discomfort at all, stop the dive. If you get a reverse block, don't panic, just come up really slowly as this gives the trapped air chance to escape.

Equalising problems and reverse blocks are no fun, but hopefully you will be ok. It shouldn't stop you diving if you're careful, and don't push yourself. As someone who LOVES diving, I've had to be careful not to try to dive when I know I shouldn't (if my sinuses have been playing up). It's frustrating, but I know not to be silly and end up hurting myself.

Good luck with everything!

 

[Guillotine]

I did it on 6.4 meters, It felt pain at first (2-2.5m) and I thought that I’m not gonna do it ever. The instructor stayed with me, while the others are at the bottom. Slowly in around 30-40sec I managed to equalize and follow the other divers

When we finished the first dive I was worried about the problem so I asked the instructor " Did I do good? Is that normal? Would it effect my diving?"

Gladly he said that its ok, it happens to many divers and it won't effect my diving. He asked me to inform him if I get any headache after some time, but I didn’t

I also did the second dive the same way successfully.

I heard about a Diving Team Leader who has the same sinus problem (maybe worse) in a way that he dive sometimes for 5m and quit. Means he end up the dive whenever he fail to equalize his pressure. This guy did some operation (surgery) to clean (or I dunno what exactly) his sinus. After a month of the surgery I heard that he could descend normally with no problem. This surgery will last like for 1 year, after that he starts to feel his problem again. This person is a Team Leader of under water and environmental care and he is an expert diver.

His story gives me the courage to try more and believe that I can make it.