outcome of skydiving with headcold

[hooked 0]

I followed everyones advice and my own gut feeling, and didn't skydive today because I have this stupid head cold! It had to be the most depressing day. I had coerced a few people to try skydiving, and I couldn't go!! I absolutely love to do this and couldn't believe I didn't go!

[AggieDave 6]

I have a minor head cold, made two jumps yesterday and all day today my ears were bothering me. Couldn't hear shit and were always popping. They're starting to get back to normal, but man it sucked.
Atleast the jumps were fun.
AggieDave '02
Once you're gone, you can't come back
When you're out of the blue
And into the black-NeilYoung

[hooked 0]

If I had known for sure no serious damage would have been done, I would have gone, but everyone was saying, "don't go". I never heard anyone with a response like yours.

[AggieDave 6]

Thats because there is a chance of a serious injury to your ears *and* it hurts like hell. Me, I always seem to have a head cold (goes around the dorms and back, once I get well, a new one hits me in a couple days) so it seems like I'm always jumping with some sort of minor head cold. If it was bad, though, I would not jump.
Once you're gone, you can't come back
When you're out of the blue
And into the black-NeilYoung

[skymedic 0]

I have seen blown out ear drums after skydivers jumped with head colds....you Probably wouldnt have any major problems other than something like what Dave had.....but then again your main will Probably open right evertime....you dont have a second set of ears to rely on...not worth given up your hearing for a quick jump that you will be able to do next week...
marc
I have no fear of falling but I hate hitting the ground -The Badlees

[BadDog 0]

Another reason not to go is so you don't pass it on. I hate people who feel free to share their virus. It has a bigger impact on me than on most, because it means I can't dive (SCUBA), jump (skydive), or fly (private plane). That leaves surfing the net for porno. Okay, so it's not all that bad. Still, I'd rather have more options. If you're sick, stay home and get better.
CorporateLawyerDave aka BadDog

[freeflir29 0]

Just remember....it's much better to take 1 week off to get over the cold than be stuck on the ground for a month (or two or three) or more because you splatted an ear drum.........They don't heal very quickly "I got some beers....Let's Drink em!!!"
Clay

[DBTECH 0]

This is an earlier post regarding the question of ear problems. db
I would not jump with a cold/sinus congestion, but if you feel it's minor, then---
If your Eustachian tubes are relatively clear, you should be able to clear/pop your ears by blowing on your pinched nose "slightly," thus, pressurizing/clearing your ears. (equalizing/creating pressure in the middle ear space)
As we ascend to higher altitudes the expanding air in the middle ear space exits easily through the Eustachian tubes. It's the re - pressurization of the middle ear space on descent that presents varying problems for many people. (like a check valve)
I recommend never jumping with a cold, as this can drive mucus into the middle ear space via the Eustachian tubes, (when/if your middle ear spaces try to equalize/clear during the jump) possibly causing a middle ear infection. (or worse) If your ears do not equalize/clear on descent this 'can' result in a ruptured ear drum. The potential for a ruptured ear drum will depend on the absolute pressure in the middle ear space at exit, and the altitude that will be descended, and of course, if your ears don't equalize/clear. (air entering into the middle ear space via the Eustachian tubes)
A good rule of thumb is; if you can clear/pop your ears by blowing on your pinched nose slightly, on the ground, and at jump altitude, you are probably OK to jump. There is also a slight plus here at altitude, as you are slightly pre-pressurizing the middle ear spaces before the jump. (as long as you don't swallow after) HA-HA All of the above will all but eliminate the chance of a ruptured ear drum. As said before, I recommend never jumping with a cold.
BTW: Ruptured ear drums normally heal with minimal scar tissue, but I would listen to your doctor as far as returning to jumping. (and only when I could pressurize/clear my ears with minimum sinus pressure. (nose pressure)
Decongestants can also help clear your sinuses after a cold.
Yes, I do Scuba dive also.
Dave Brownell
Mesa/Eloy, AZ

[scottbre 0]

But...
If you don't have eustachian tubes, then you should be in the clear....

"Can't keep my mind from the circling sky. Tongue-tied & twisted just an earth-bound misfit, I."

[LittleJumper 0]

I'm still getting over a slight head cold too. I went for a jump yesterday...first time with a head cold. My left ear was bothering me most of the evening afterwards. It finally popped clear by yawning mostly. I noticed my nose began to run a little too during the ascent. But, it was all well worth the jump!
What you "think" you cannot do ...you CAN if you "think" about it

[hooked 0]

I can't believe the good responses I have had concerning my post! What I have isn't just a little head cold, but, geez, I hated missing the jump! I am still putting up with this thing and waiting for it to go away! Thanks for the response. I really wanted to go, but everyone and everything said, don't do it!

[flyhi 24]

Quote

If you don't have eustachian tubes, then you should be in the clear....

I was thinking of having my eustachian tubes tied. I know a lot of women have had good luck with that.
flyhi

[airann 1]

BAWHAHAHAHAAHAAAaaaaaaaa
2 Damn Funny!!
http://www.AirAnn.com
Ugly Girl #6

[LittleJumper 0]

I thought the same thing at one time. Then I thought, hell...why should I have to tie mine??? HE should tie HIS...let the men know the threshold of pain!
What you "think" you cannot do ...you CAN if you "think" about it

[jtval 0]

that was one of the things that were strongly taught to me in a.f.f. dont jump if you have a head cold for hte reasons stated above PLUS one that i didnt think of til i jumped with one.
when i started jumping after my horrifying frisbee accident i took 4 days off. on the third day i was getting stuffy didnt think anything about it til i jumped. i left about 5000 ft of snot trailing on the way down. it was very weird and felt funny but i wasnt congested when i got down but i really would think twice about going again like that. if it didnt leave through my nostril im sure i would popped something.
btw--decongestants can cause you to be extremely light heaed at altitude that will probly end in a lot worse then a sore ear.
Have fun, LIVE FREE, Skydive
JT

[SpeedRacer 1]

EEEEEEEWWWWWWWW!!!!
Speed Racer
What contemptible scoundrel has stolen the cork from my lunch?!
-WC Fields

[LittleJumper 0]

"i left about 5000 ft of snot trailing on the way down. it was very weird and felt funny but i wasnt congested when i got down"
Aaahhh!! so THAT explains the goop on my goggles! ; )
What you "think" you cannot do ...you CAN if you "think" about it

[clustermagnet 0]

Guys, went skydiving with a minor allergy clog up...

Now its been over a day, and i cant clear my right ear...

it feels like theres liquid that just needs to get cleared out.

any suggestions? or am i screwed? :)

[Halfpastniner 0]

snort some nasal decongestant, it will clear up. I had both ears clog for a whole week last year!

But as someone told me.....better learn sign language, just to be safe

BASE 1384

[clustermagnet 0]

rock on! thank you :)

sudafed tablets OK? or really go for the sniffing style drug crap

bugger sugar OK? :)