tonsillitis and diving

[Lottie375]

So, i have tonsillitis and i'm flying up to St Maarten on sunday for a week - originally it was to do some diving, but that's not going to be an option now. (well at least i'll be able to do more shopping instead....)

So the question is - even if my tonsils calm down within the next few days - when would be the earliest opportunity for me to dive again?
(I would ask my GP, but he's unavailable until goodness knows when, due to the death of the PM here)

TIA

Lottie )

 

[TSandM]

There are a lot of variables.

Inflammation and swelling of the tonsils can affect the orifice of the Eustachian tube, and interfere with equalizing the ears. How long it would take for that to resolve is not something one can predict. However, if all soreness is gone, likely the inflammation is gone, too. You can always check by trying to equalize on land.

Rampant tonsillitis can also make someone generally feel bad and tire easily, as any bacterial infection can do. Someone who is not feeling well or thinking quickly and clearly is probably better off on land for a few days, until they're feeling more normal.

Personal reactions to antibiotics can vary. Some people can take them without any side effects; others become nauseated or get intestinal cramping.

So you see, there's no way we can tell you when you can dive again, except to say that when your symptoms have resolved and you are feeling pretty normal, that's a good indicator that you're ready to go underwater again.

 

[Garrobo]

I remember that when they cut out my tonsils, at 21 years old, they had me gargle salt water. Boy was that fun.

 

[Lottie375]

Thanks for the info TSandM.

Looking on the internet, it looks as though i've got viral tonsillitis, not bacterial (as i've got cold symptoms as well)- therefore antibiotics won't work. Now that you've mentioned it, I don't exactly feel as though i'm thinking quickly and clearly.

I'll just keep gargling salt water, taking tylenol, drinking water, eating ice-cream and see how i feel when I get back from St Maarten before i even think about going diving again.

Thanks again

Lottie )