crazy headache pain

[Jay S]

sometimes when i go down i get this sudden onslaught of pain thats like a headache i was told its my sinuses or something. my sinuses were blocked a little the last time it happened but i could still breathe out my nose wats up with that??

[jome]

It is most likely your forehead sinus. You have many sinuses in your head. In the cheeks, nose and forehead. It is entirely possible that your nose is fine, you can breath etc, but the forehead sinus is blocked. There will be no other apparent symptom, except that when you try to dive, it hurts like hell (characteristic for this is a very sharp and sudden pain behind your forehead or eyebrow that starts already at very shallow depth).

Usually nasal congestion or blocks are an indication that there could be a problem in the forehead as well, but sometimes I feel fine otherwise, except diving is more or less impossible.

[naiad]

I agree that it is likely to be a blocked sinus. I have had this sometimes.

Lucia

[Jay S]

alrite cheers do you know anything that can clear it before u go down?? or is it just live with it till it goes away

[jome]

There's a number of nasal sprays, pills and home remedies available. Some are either ineffective or have side effects.

Search the forum for "sinutits" and you should find you poison...

[Jason Billows]

If you decide to use a spray or pill to clear your sinus be sure to read the ingredients carefully. Many will raise your metabolism and heart rate which would be counterproductive to your freediving. Some also have banned substances if you are planning to compete.

I used to get lots of sinus squeezes but have managed to eliminate them for the most part. I use a neti pot to flush my sinuses the night before and morning before a dive. It's a little odd at first, but once you get used to the sensation it leaves your head feeling clean and open.

Also, if you're stuffed up try sucking it back and spitting it out. Gross I know, but if you blow your nose you tend to force the mucus up into your sinuses.

Jason

[portinfer]

Hi Jason - what is a neti pot and how does it work ?
Cheers
Ed

[Jason Billows]

Do a search online and you'll find lots of info.

It looks like a small tea pot and is used to flush a saltwater solution up your nose and into your sinuses. It literally washes them out.

There are also some small squeeze bottle versions that are much easier to use. I have one and got it at a pharmacy.

You should also be able to find a recipe online for the solution.

Jason

[bolts]

Originally Posted by Jason Billows

There are also some small squeeze bottle versions that are much easier to use. I have one and got it at a pharmacy.

Or you can be super-fancy like me and use a turkey baster. Take that as you will....

[Jason Billows]

Bolts,

I used a turkey baster also and it worked pretty well. The thing I love about this squeeze bottle I have is that it really flushes things out. It has a big nozzle that pretty much seals your nostril and when you squeeze, even with your head upright, it gets in there really deep.

Jason