Question about Sinus Congestion after diving

[maj75]

Did two dives on Sunday. First was uneventful. When I descended for the second dive, I felt a sharp pain above and behind my left eye at about 20 feet. I ascended a few feet, the pain went away. I tried to equalize and both ears equalized. I tried to descend and the pain in my sinus came back. I yo-yoed for a couple of minutes repeating this and was eventully able to work my way to the bottom, 30'. The pain was gone but I could still feel a twinge. I continued the dive (55 minutes) and did not feel any more discomfort. No problem ascending at the end of the dive. I blew my nose after the dive and orange snot came out.

Now I still feel pressure in the sinus area above my left eye. I have taken some over the counter stuff, but no relief. It feels like a very mild sinus headache.

I am supposed to do 5 dives this weekend, and I am concerned about a repeat of this problem. Is there anything I can do now to try to clear out or open up the sinuses, to try to hopefully avoid a wasted dive weekend?

 

[jbd]

Cold/flu meds might or might not help. Time will usually help but marches to its own drummer so it may not fit your upcoming dive plans. I would keep plans really flexible until you are confident the sinus has cleared.

 

[Web Monkey]

Now I still feel pressure in the sinus area above my left eye. I have taken some over the counter stuff, but no relief. It feels like a very mild sinus headache.

I'm not a doctor and don't play one on TV, however my ENT recommended Mucinex and hot showers to loosen up all the sinus mung so it comes out.

Most of the OTC sinus stuff contains ingredients that dry everything up, so instead of coming out, it stays there.

As for your upcoming dives, I wouldn't do any until you're 100% better. If you dive while congested, you can do all sorts of damage, some temporary, some permanent.

Terry


Terry

 

[Ber Rabbit]

A wasted dive weekend is much better than blowing a sinus. I've seen that happen and it isn't pretty plus it takes a LONG time to heal and you may or may not be able to return to diving.

Orange snot could be indicating a sinus infection, you might want to see your doc to find out for sure.

I've had a couple of reverse sinus squeezes (sometimes in the pool) and BELIEVE me you DON'T want to experience that. It feels like someone shoved an icepick into your sinus and started rooting around with it.
Ber :lilbunny: