sinus squeeze?

[tyguypb]

so i didn't go diving but i did some preliminary free diving for the first time yesterday. i received a bit of teaching and then i was able to descend to 51 feet a few times. later that day and all day today i have had blood in my sinus drainage in the back of my throat when i spit. it has been going on for about a day and a half now, is this potentially a sinus squeeze? would blood still be appearing in my sinuses a day and a half later? is it worth seeing a doctor? I have no pain and my sinuses don't seem to be particularly blocked. any help would be greatly appreciated. thank you very much.
-Tyler S.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Tyler,

I have asked our resident diving ENT and all round good guy, doctormike, to look at your inquiry.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[doctormike]

Hey Tyler...!

Yes, just like barotrauma in the ear can cause a hemotympanum (blood in the middle ear fluid), nasal barotrauma can cause a similar problem in the sinuses. As you probably know, the sinuses are air filled spaces which surround the nose, and can get blocked due to anatomic problems, allergies, infections, etc.. Just like the ear, they need to be equalized, although problems with this are less common.

Of course, blood in the back of the throat and/or in nasal drainage could be from any other source as well (a good ENT examination could help pinpoint the source), but a day or so isn't such a long time, especially if it is following this type of diving. If you develop any symptoms of sinus type pain, or if the bleeding persists for another day or so, you might want to see an ENT doctor.

If you tell me where you are writing from, I might be able to suggest someone in your area..

Best,

Mike

 

[tyguypb]

i am in bali, but i will be in singapore tomorrow. any suggestions? i appreciate the answer, very helpful. thank you very much.

 

[doctormike]

i am in bali, but i will be in singapore tomorrow. any suggestions? i appreciate the answer, very helpful. thank you very much.

Sorry, don't know anyone in that part of the world... but hopefully, you will be better soon!

Best,

Mike

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi tyguypb,

Singapore General Hospital has a well regarded ENT Clinic (Singapore General Hospital - ENT Centre).

Also, Dr. Lau comes highly recommended (Welcome to EAR NOSE&THROAT CENTRE CC LAU)

Best of luck.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[tyguypb]

i saw someone yesterday in bali and he said after looking into my nose and throat via some long lighted camera object, that i had a viral infection or sinus infection caused by some bacteria and he gave me a nasal spray, a decongestant, some pill for the fluid in my sinus? and an antibiotic. I took all of the pills yesterday and did the nasal spray yesterday and this morning and it APPEARS as if i have stopped spitting up blood, i had a little bit in my spit this morning but since then i have not had any.
NOW, the doctor said that i could be detrimental to fly, and i have a flight out of bali for singapore this evening at 930, in aproximately 9 hours, would it be highly detrimental to fly with a sinus infection of this magnitude? i would really like to know because it could be potentially very expensive to change my flight, soooo.... i don't want to risk my health but i don't want to buy 2 plane flights. Any suggestions or advice? thank you very much

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi tyguypb,

Long commercial flights can be drying on the sinsues, expose one to a variety of airborne pathogens, and of course there are the changes in ambient pressure inherent in flying. These could be problematic as regards the condition.

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

 

[claudine]

Thanks DocVikingo on the recommendations as I'm looking for an ENT in this part of the world as well!

tyguypb, hope you get well soon!