Senisitive nose and Diving don go together ????

[animian2002]

Hi

Is it true that people with Sensitive nose should not take up Scuba Diving? and why ??

Is it ok to take decongestant to clear Block nose resulted from a cold a few days before diving ???

and is it ok to dive when one had just recovered from a cold except for occasion nose blockage

 

[John Reinertson]

It depends on what you mean by sensitive nose.
If you're talking about a nose that is easily obstructed/congested, you may have to take sudafed (pseudoephedrine) or similar decongestants to be able to equalize pressure in your ears.

You may need Nasal spray Corticosteroids such as Nasonex or Flonase or similar to reduce the overreactivity of the mucous membranes and difficulty equalizing.

If you are talking about a nose sensitive to exquisite aromas, you may wish to get a copy of Barefoot Man's song about Jeff, the Muff Diver.

Sorry to get lewd with a serious question, but I still find the song funny.

Seriously, steroid nose sprays have made major changes for divers with nose congestion/ equalization problems.

Consider trying them.
They've reduced my dive abort rate from 1 or 2 per week to zero per week. ( Or maybe it was experience and determination)

At any rate, nose problems are seldom a major reason to avoid SCUBA .
Good luck and blow your bubbles in the water, not your sinuses or bloodstream.
See you underwater!

John