When can I start diving after having a cold?

Betty · 09-27-2006, 10:32 PM

Hello everyone,
I would like to know when is it safe for me to dive after having a cold?

For example if I feel better by tomorrow, could I do a pool dive on the following day? Also if I continue to feel better could I do a open water dive in a week?

Please help, I will be so disappointed if I can't go diving during my trip to the Carribean in a week and a half.

Thanks,
Betty

**glynneco** · 09-28-2006, 01:25 AM

As long as you can equalize your good to go. I just went diving with the tail end of a cold. I took it easy on the way down and up to make sure there were no problems. I would not go with severe congestion in the head or chest. Coughing under water is not fun. Sinus squeeze isn't either.I have taken sudafed to help dry me up prior to a dive but meds can be tricky efecting people differently at depth (narcosis). If I feel OK I go. I monitor myself closely and if I'm uncomfortable I'll call the dive in a heartbeat.
If your nose needs blowin' don't be goin'!

Betty · 09-28-2006, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glynneco

As long as you can equalize your good to go. I just went diving with the tail end of a cold. I took it easy on the way down and up to make sure there were no problems. I would not go with severe congestion in the head or chest. Coughing under water is not fun. Sinus squeeze isn't either.I have taken sudafed to help dry me up prior to a dive but meds can be tricky efecting people differently at depth (narcosis). If I feel OK I go. I monitor myself closely and if I'm uncomfortable I'll call the dive in a heartbeat.
If your nose needs blowin' don't be goin'!

Thanks for the advice! I took a look at your photos. What kind of camera did you use for those pictures?

**glynneco** · 09-28-2006, 10:38 AM

A point and shoot 35mm sea n sea. I take a roll on each dive and if I'm lucky I'll get 2 or 3 worth keeping. I fantasize about a digital with a flash on an extended arm. If I bought one my wife would have my arm! HHHMMMM?! No not worth it.

Good Luck with the dive

Scuba Mama · 09-28-2006, 06:33 PM

Using meds while diving. Some things to take in to consideration, meds are tested in the first atmosphere, sea level. Once you introduce depth and a change of atmosphere there is no accounting for how the drug will act. If it is a time release it may fail during the dive and you may suffer reverse block. You know how you feel be your best advocate. If you feel healthy, then dive. Giving up diving because your ill is not fun, but if you wait until your better you will not suffer any damage because you sat out. If you can clear while your on the surface that is a good test, your ready to go. The easiest way is to just swallow if you hear ears clear (a very small pop sound), they are clearing. Have fun and be safe.

**Resqdivemedic** · 10-02-2006, 03:32 AM

I agree with Scuba Mama, wait it out until you are symptom free befor returning to diving. You dont want to risk any perminent damage to the ears or sinuses because you couldn't equalize. Also check out this article from Divers Alert Network about taking medications and diving. I think this will help answer some of you questions.http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/me...p?articleid=52 Good luck and dive safe. BTW, I just cancelled a dive because of a sore throat, bummer.

Jimothy · 11-21-2006, 06:27 AM

When I was in Open water class I was at the very end of a cold. On my last dive for the class I had a slight amount of sinus pressure and I mean slight. Just to be on the safe side wait until your symptoms are gone without meds.