spitting blood

[Mark Michaud SELAUSAR]

Does this happen to you? If so, it's not supposed to. The external ear canal is not connected to the sinuses in any way.

I guess maybe I spoke out of turn. I do know that everytime I dive, my mask stays dry, and I have plenty of wet phlem. When diving near a body that is decomposing I am able to "taste" the "odor" (if that makes sense) though my mask is in place and no water gets inside and no water is seeping through my regulator. As the only open port would be my ears, I guess I assumed improperly, that was the connection. As far as bleeding, I have never had that issue. I stand corrected.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

When diving near a body that is decomposing I am able to "taste" the "odor" (if that makes sense) though my mask is in place and no water gets inside and no water is seeping through my regulator. As the only open port would be my ears...

Try as you may, small amounts of water/dissolved gas are seeping between your lips and your regulator mouthpiece. That's where the smell is coming from. Decomposing bodies present a significant biological hazard. You may want to consider a positive pressure FFM and a drysuit with integrated hood when performing recoveries. Thanks for doing what you do.

Best,
DDM