Is the statement 'Taking decongestants is a good way to reduce the risk of ear or sinus squeeze' true or false?

Is the statement 'Taking decongestants is a good way to reduce the risk of ear or sinus squeeze' true or false?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It depends
• D. Not sure

Answer: (B)

Equalizing air to match ambient pressure is essential to avoid ear and sinus squeeze. When you’re congested, the Eustachian tubes can’t open easily, so the middle ears can’t equalize as you descend or ascend, increasing the risk of barotrauma. Taking decongestants might seem to help by reducing nasal swelling, but they don’t guarantee that the Eustachian tubes will open under the pressure changes of a dive. Relief is temporary, and there can be rebound congestion or side effects like increased heart rate and blood pressure, which are risky during physical activity and underwater. Because these medicines don’t reliably prevent squeeze and can introduce new risks, they’re not considered a safe or reliable method to enable diving when congested. The safer approach is to avoid diving if you’re congested, or postpone until you’re cleared, and focus on proper equalization techniques and conservative dive practices. If you have ongoing congestion or sinus issues, seek medical advice before diving.

Equalizing air to match ambient pressure is essential to avoid ear and sinus squeeze. When you’re congested, the Eustachian tubes can’t open easily, so the middle ears can’t equalize as you descend or ascend, increasing the risk of barotrauma.

Taking decongestants might seem to help by reducing nasal swelling, but they don’t guarantee that the Eustachian tubes will open under the pressure changes of a dive. Relief is temporary, and there can be rebound congestion or side effects like increased heart rate and blood pressure, which are risky during physical activity and underwater. Because these medicines don’t reliably prevent squeeze and can introduce new risks, they’re not considered a safe or reliable method to enable diving when congested.

The safer approach is to avoid diving if you’re congested, or postpone until you’re cleared, and focus on proper equalization techniques and conservative dive practices. If you have ongoing congestion or sinus issues, seek medical advice before diving.