sinus squeeze and equalizing

[lobbolt]

I just got back from a dive trip to Bohol. I always had a harder time equalizing than most people, and had to descend much slower as a result. This time though, I still had trouble equalizing, but after every dive, I would get a runny nose mixed with blood. There wasn't much blood, but it bothered the other people on my boat. I also experienced some pain in the middle of my forehead during a few dives, while on descent and on ascent. I am on my way to getting instructor certification, so any comments or opinions on what happened, i really appreciate.

 

[Komodo]

I just got back from a dive trip to Bohol. I always had a harder time equalizing than most people, and had to descend much slower as a result. This time though, I still had trouble equalizing, but after every dive, I would get a runny nose mixed with blood. There wasn't much blood, but it bothered the other people on my boat. I also experienced some pain in the middle of my forehead during a few dives, while on descent and on ascent. I am on my way to getting instructor certification, so any comments or opinions on what happened, i really appreciate.

The nosebleed can be a result of sinus squeeze and of the reverse block of your sinuses. It can also be a consequence of mask squeeze, due to the relative underpressure in the mask making bloodvessels weaker. Since you already stated you had problems equalizing I think it is likely that the sinus squeeze and or reverse block is the cause.

Note: I am NOT an M.D., I am however a physiologist with an interest in diving. An M.D. is the only one who can make a diagnosis but only AFTER seeing you for proper assessment.

--
Robert

 

[RICHinNC]

Try this.....start equalizing 10 minutes BEFORE you ever get in your gear.....a couple of times once you are suited up....again just before you decend....and continually BEFORE you fee the need.

That solved my eq problems. And, it gives me an idea how hard my right ear (the problem child) is going to be. If I eq above the surface...I usually have no problems below.

rich

 

[pipedope]

I am not a doctor.
I am a diver of long experience.

Because you were able to equalize both ways the problem is probably not all that serious.
A little blood in the mask is not uncommon.

The key thing to me is the pain in the forhead. This sounds like sinus squeeze and could have a variety of causes. First, it could be a simple cold or other sinus infection. It could also be a structural problem in the sinus passages.

How to find out?
Go see a good ENT that knows diving.
This is one of those things where there is no substitute for seeing a good doc.