simple question??

[fishkillapro]

I just a question. i dive in maybe only 40-65 ft. of water, when i am down i get a headache and then when I come up it feels like there is a balloon inside of my head about to explode.

I am just wondering why I get this pain? I know I can't be coming up too fast because I came up with my brother and he is fine. I have only been diving maybe a dozen times so i dont know. thanks

cameron

[Stodelle]

It sounds to me as though it could be your sinus cavity. Alot of divers have trouble with their sinus cavities. You may not be aware of it, but you may have some blockage inside. Since getting a MRI are pretty much out of the question, alot of divers learn to deal with it by prepping before the dive. Many will take a strong decongestant (my doctor actually prescribed me some Guiafed) and alot of divers will also carry AFRIN in their dive kits and take a few hits before going under. The decongestant, and the AFRIN help to open the sinus area up and alleviate the pressure. I have had it before where you get down and the pain is so severe that you start up. Of course as you ascend it intensifies even more. I even got vertigo really bad once from the pain. my suggestion would be to try the decongestant (even over the counter) stuff, and the AFRIN before your next dive.

Of course, I am not a doctor, and it may be something totally different. Hit up the Divers Alert network and they will put you in touch with a doctor in your area, who is medically SCUBA knowledgable who can offer more insight and possible testings. DAN can also advise on medications to avoid as well.

[fishkillapro]

I'll have to look into getting some stuff to try and clear them up.
thank you

[Graham]

I know I can't be coming up too fast because I came up with my brother and he is fine.

Calculate your own dive and rely on your own computer. Dont gauge your dive off of your partner.

[Marcus]

Skip breathing/breathing lightly will cause carbon dioxide build up and will give you a nasty headache.

[Graham]

This brings up another question, I think I may have even seen a thread on this before but don't remember the outcome. Taking asprin before you dive: pro's/con's
I will sometimes take excedrin migraine before I start diving. Should I not be doing this?

[jfg]

I think Stodelle is probably right on. I have a bud who has a maxillary sinus cyst that gets huge, then goes away with a little treatment, causes him pain like crazy, but it is controllable with the proper treatment. When he gets to hurting he gets me to xray his sinuses to take a look and yep, its either swollen again or other sinus congestion problems. We take decongestants at night, before diving for like a week before a trip to get our sinuses dried up. I've used Afrin sparingly, because you can get dependent on it with overuse. If those things don't work, time to see a dive dr. I'm not a Dr. either, I avoid Drs. :D Just have to work with them:D

[Stodelle]

Divers Alert Network has a whole section on the various effects of emdication during diving.

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/index.asp

[fishkillapro]

I am entered the St. pete Open for Saturday. I got some Pain Relief, Sinus Gelcaps. Does anyone nknow how effective they are or how many days before a dive i should start taking them. they are only 30 mg sinus relief and 500mg pain relief, so i dont know how effective they are going to be. thanks

Cameron