Starting skydiving, sinus hurts after landing!?

[PeteyD 0]

I have often have sinus issues (allergies, mucus, boogers) and i went skydiving for the first time today. i had a blast but my throat and mouth (area connected at the sinuses mostly) hurt a lot for about 30 minutes afterward. I want to continue skydiving but i don't want this to happen next time.

i was thinking perhaps i need to breathe more because my nasal passageway is too small or perhaps i'm breathing wrong. I take allegra and i don't have asthma or anything but ive usually got something to spit.

do you have any explanations of why this might be and possible ways to avoid it in the future?

Shake My Hand And Give Me A Hug!
Petey D

[hackish 8]

Very common thing and it's been discussed many times. Try doing a search and you will find pages and pages of answers.

-Michael

[monkycndo 0]

I have issues with my sinuses when I jump. I take a 12 hour decongestant before I leave for the DZ. It makes all the difference in the world.

If you have issues where your sinuses are plugged, the rapid pressure change during AC climb and then freefall can royally screw your ears. It might be worth a talk with your MD to be aware of possible issues due to jumping with boogers.

50 donations so far. Give it a try.

You know you want to spank it
Jump an Infinity

[RMK 3]

I've had problems with my eustation tubes clogging for years in both skydiving and scubadiving. For one, do the Vesula tachnique which is pinching your nose and blowing sharply as soon as you land. But even better (if you can) do it after opening but before releasing your brakes (of course look around first) as this give a 3000ft head start w/ less pressure.

"Pain is the best instructor, but no one wants to attend his classes"

[Armour666 0]

Skydive Radio had a show with ear, nose, and throat Specialist, Dr. Stuart Selkin. (The link below)

Is it Allegra or Allegra-D that you take? Allegra is just an anti-histamine the Allegra-D is the decongestant with pseudoephedrine

I have bad allergies and get stuffed up all the time and like monkycndo I use 12 hour decongestant as well (Allegra –D). I wouldn’t recommend taking one for the first time before you jump. Try it during a time you can gauge the effects of the meds on you.

I also carry a Dristan spray in the pocket of my jump suit and had to use it once to clear my nose while on the plane. A blockage can cause a lot of pain as you found or even an ear drum rupture. So see you doc and see how things effect you on the meds before the next jump

http://media.libsyn.com/media/skydiveradio/sr54_08_15_06.mp3

SO this one time at band camp.....

"Of all the things I've lost I miss my mind the most."

[PeteyD 0]

i think its not allegra D. thanks for all of the responses im glad there are things i can do because i friggin love skydiving =). gonna do some more research this is all great!

Shake My Hand And Give Me A Hug!
Petey D

[Melt16 0]

Check this article out.. 100% natural.
Just use sea salt, not table salt

http://lonniebruner.blogspot.com/2006/02/snorting-saltwater-from-bowl.html

[Skydivesg 7]

There is actually something called a "Neti Pot". It's been around for decades and works really well and cheap.
Google it.

It basically looks like a tea pot but you use it to pour a salt solution (saline) through one nostril and it just comes out the other. There is no inhaling done. You breath through your mouth while doing it (about 30 seconds for each nostril). Walgreens has them and so do most large grocery stores.

It sounds really weird and gross but I guantee it works and has for years. I've had on and off sinus problems all my life but I have had no issues when I skydive.

I also take a generic version of non-drowsy Sudafed every day that I jump.

Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.

[pirana 0]

Quote

There is actually something called a "Neti Pot". It's been around for decades and works really well and cheap.
Google it.

It basically looks like a tea pot but you use it to pour a salt solution (saline) through one nostril and it just comes out the other. There is no inhaling done. You breath through your mouth while doing it (about 30 seconds for each nostril). Walgreens has them and so do most large grocery stores.

It sounds really weird and gross but I guantee it works and has for years. I've had on and off sinus problems all my life but I have had no issues when I skydive.

I also take a generic version of non-drowsy Sudafed every day that I jump.

I think the medical term is a sinus lavage. I've had it done several times in the past. I had the full-blown one where they punch a hole thru your upper palette into your sinus cavities (the fitting looks like the needle you use to pump up a ball), put a hose on it, turn on the saline, and all the multi-colored goo comes out your mouth. No breathing during the "flush." The stuff that comes out is amazing.

I've done it at home by just sticking my head under water, pulling it in, then blowing it back out. Problem is it only gets to the nasal cavity (not the sinuses) and the goo is not as entertaining. Very little blood and pus, mostly just mucous.

" . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

[Skydivesg 7]

Actually the neti pot is a sinus flushing device that uses a saline based solution. You do it at home. Some people use it every day. I don't need it every day. When I use it it clears my sinus quite well.
You don't need to have a Dr. do it. You do it yourself.
It's an over the counter device.

It probably doesn't produce the same results as you're talking about. But it works for most.

Be the canopy pilot you want that other guy to be.