what can be done for a sinus squeeze?

[stisso]

Hi there, I'm a new diver. During my OW certification (4th dive), I suddenly had a horrible pain above my right eye. We had to ascend because it wouldn't go away. I was told by my instructors that I probably had a blocked sinus.

I went on my honeymoon to Fiji :07: right after my certification, so I had no time to see a doctor. I took Sudafed for a few days before our dives, and had no problems.

We returned home, and I went diving this last weekend. I went w/o decongestant to see if the problem had been temporary - and the sinus pain came back. Just a dull ache, nothing too sharp, and it came and went, so I took Sudafed for the next day, and had a little sinus pain, but it came and went (and it seems random - not during descent, or ascent). It's mostly above my right eye, and I've noticed that I don't hear the 'pop' in my right ear sometimes when I equalize. Pinching my nose and blowing is NOT a good thing (it hurts my frontal sinus). I swallow, which seems to do the trick for my ears.

I realize I need to go see an ENT doc as soon as I can, but I'd like to dive this weekend again, and I'm wondering if there's any way to help equalize the sinuses underwater (it sounds strange, but I tried blowing out my nose, which may have helped), or is there something I can do beforehand that may help?

Thanks!

 

[ParamedicDiver1]

Sudafed is a good way to help unclog those sinuses. I also use Afrin Nasal Spray right before a dive...but be careful because heavy use of Afrin can cause your nasal passages to slam shut after the effectiveness wears off. Go see your ENT, but I would bet it is just seasonal sinusitis and can be relieved with over the counter Sudafed and Afrin.

 

[jpedwards]

I went on my honeymoon to Fiji right after my certification, so I had no time to see a doctor. I took Sudafed for a few days before our dives, and had no problems.

JMHO, it could be the colder water in Ottowa rather than sinus blockage

 

[stisso]

JMHO, it could be the colder water in Ottowa rather than sinus blockage

Maybe, but the water in the St. Lawrence is a balmy 72 degrees right now...Fiji wasn't that much warmer (maybe 78), though this could still make a difference, I'm sure.

I will try taking some Sudafed this week, leading up to the weekend, and see how it goes. I will also think about trying the spray, though generally I'm weary of nasal sprays.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Pilot_dc]

Stay out of the water till you see a doc. Is diving this weekend worth possibly causing irreversible damage that could not only end your diving career but might also cause you chronic pain for life? Don't use suddafed, what happens if it wears off quick during the dive and you have a severe reverse block? You'll have the option of running out of air or possibly causing damage. I know that's not what you want to hear, but think about the future.... Anyways, just my 2 cents. Hope everything clears up for you!