Reverse Block/Squeeze

[JuhaMikkola]

Hey guys,

I am a new diver and today I had my first reverse block/squeeze experience ascending from a dive. I got a sharp pain in my right sinus during our 3-minute safety stop. I didn't know what it was or what I should do so I didn't descend back down to try to equalize. The worst of the pain went away and I was able to ascend to the surface.

It's now been nearly 12 hours since the dive and I am getting a lot of pain in the same right sinus area. I have taken Benedril and Advil and have tried equalizing as well as sucking in while holding my nose.

Any thoughts, advice or next steps?

Thanks - Juha

 

[DandyDon]

It's 3;20am in the US give or take a time zone or two and it may be several hours or even some days before a medical professional can discuss this here. For now, you can search this Medicine forum for the word reverse and find many threads where others' problems have been discussed, in case that may help.

I have no reason to think that you are in any danger, at least not from what you have told, but then I am not at all qualified to judge that anyway. In the event that you now or ever think that you are injured, don't hesitate in seeking immediate consultation from a scuba physician - locally or at DAN - phone numbers in the link below.

Good luck. Hope it equalizes soon...

 

[JuhaMikkola]

Thanks for the response. I've done some more research and I am fairly sure the pain/numbness is caused by the Maxillary Sinus. The pain definitely gets worse when I lie down which is why I am still up researching! Any advice on what I can do in addition to the pain killers and nasal spray? Best to wait it out?

 

[DandyDon]

Thanks for the response. I've done some more research and I am fairly sure the pain/numbness is caused by the Maxillary Sinus. The pain definitely gets worse when I lie down which is why I am still up researching! Any advice on what I can do in addition to the pain killers and nasal spray? Best to wait it out?

I'm sorry, you didn't say where you are. I guess I need sleep. I have edited my previous lost to prevent confusion for other readers.

You can call DAN wherever you are and speak with a dive medic, a dive doctor if needed, about how to reduce the pain right now - phone numbers in the link below. I hope you are a member and insured at DAN, but you don't have to be either to call; they'll still discuss it with you.

Do keep checking back over the next few days for posts from more knowledgeable divers and medical professionals.

 

[cmburch]

I have had the problem where I had a sinus infection, but no noticeable nasal drip. Went to the doctor and had it taken care of. Tremendous pain when on airplanes between my eyes and cracking noises and extreme pain when diving. Afrin and sudafed temporary clearing relief and meds from doctor to clear it up. Motrin type pain relief may help. We have 24hr phone Advise/drop in at Hospitals.

 

[Lopaka]

Thanks for the response. I've done some more research and I am fairly sure the pain/numbness is caused by the Maxillary Sinus.

When you do see an ENT, you'll most likely get strong decongestants to open things up. The pain is most likely (I an not an MD!) from inflamed/damaged sinus linings from the squeeze, and pain goes up lying down from blood pressure rise. Like smacking your thumb with a hammer and the difference between holding your hand above your head or at your side. Sleep with several pillows to elevate.

Sinus squeeze can show up going down or up, and for no reason. I had been diving for eight years before suddenly getting the old "icepick between the eyes" on descent. No colds, no equalization problems, nothing but a new sinus issue. Blood in the mask after surfacing, etc. Still happens randomly if I do not dose with decongestants for several days before and during diving.

So. what will probably happen in future diving is what so many of us do: preemptive dosing of decongestants, "just to be sure". Does not damage with the common Claritan-D and the like, and is far better than the ol' icepick routine.

See an ENT soonest..................