What happens if you go scuba diving with a cold?

What happens if you go scuba diving with a cold?

When your breathing is audible and you are coughing. If this is the case, not only does your mucus fill your nose, but also your lungs. In other words, diving with a cold in these conditions makes your breathing difficult, increases your body’s stress as well as it puts you at risk.

Can you dive with a cough?

It’s perfectly alright to cough into your regulator until your airway is clear. If you feel that tell tale tickle in the back of your throat, try to move into an open area where you won’t bump into anything. Also, be aware of your buoyancy as you may unknowingly hold your breath.

Can I take a decongestant before diving?

Nasal decongestants are generally not a good idea under water: most wear off too rapidly and you may wind up with a ‘rebound’ effect, and in worse condition than when you started. People who require decongestants in order to dive are already at increased risk of injury due to higher pressure (barotrauma).

Can I dive with a stuffy nose?

A relentlessly blocked-up head is unsafe for scuba. You won’t be able to clear your ears and sinuses while descending. Worse, at the end of your dive, it elevates your risk for a reverse squeeze on your way back up.

Can I dive with allergies?

In general, individuals with environmental allergies may dive safely. Only during severe flare-ups should the symptoms preclude the safe use of scuba equipment.

Can you scuba dive with a chest infection?

At no time should an individual with bronchitis dive without first being treated and cleared by an appropriate diving medical officer. Bronchitis is treatable but will often last several days and may last longer.

What is the first symptom of sinus squeeze?

Pressure or pain in the forehead or around the teeth, cheeks, or eyes may occur. The nose may bleed. Pressure and pain increase with increased diving depth due to swelling of the lining of the sinus (mucosal lining) and also bleeding into the sinus.

Can you dive with hayfever?

According to conservative estimates, more than 20 percent of the population suffers from hay fever or similar allergies. In general, individuals with environmental allergies may dive safely. Only during severe flare-ups should the symptoms preclude the safe use of scuba equipment.