SUDAFED AND SCUBA DIVING

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🔹 Why divers sometimes use Sudafed

• Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is a decongestant.

• Divers sometimes take it before diving to clear sinuses and equalize ears more easily.

• The idea is that it shrinks nasal passages and reduces congestion.

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🔹 The risks for divers

1. Rebound congestion

   • As the medication wears off, congestion can return suddenly (even during the dive).

   • This may trap air in the sinuses or ears → reverse block (painful and potentially dangerous).

2. Side effects

   • Sudafed can cause increased heart rate, jitteriness, anxiety, or trouble sleeping.

   • Combined with the stress of diving, this may increase the risk of panic or cardiovascular strain.

3. Individual reactions

   • Some people tolerate pseudoephedrine well, others don’t.

   • Effects vary, and you don’t want to discover a bad reaction underwater.

4. Masking an illness

   • If you’re congested enough to need Sudafed, it might mean you shouldn’t dive at all.

   • Diving with a cold or sinus infection increases risk of barotrauma.

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🔹 Best practices (based on dive medicine recommendations)

• Never try Sudafed for the first time before a dive. Test it on land to see how your body reacts.

• Short-acting version is safer than long-acting (less risk of rebound during the dive).

• Stay hydrated, since pseudoephedrine can cause dryness.

• Don’t mix with alcohol or other stimulants.

• If in doubt, skip the dive. Diving congested is riskier than missing one dive.

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👉 Summary:
Sudafed can help with equalization, but it carries risks — particularly rebound congestion and side effects underwater. Many dive doctors and agencies advise: only use it if you know how your body reacts, and never to “force” a dive if you’re sick.

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Here is a summary of the official DAN (Divers Alert Network) position on decongestants (like pseudoephedrine / Sudafed) and diving, based on their research reports and FAQs. This is not medical advice — always consult a dive medicine specialist for your personal situation.

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✅ DAN’s Bottom Line / Summary of Official Position

In DAN’s view:

• Using decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can be done, but only with caution.

• Taking a decongestant to enable a dive when congestion is mild could be acceptable, but diver must understand the risks (rebound, wearing off, side-effects, oxygen toxicity).

• It is not recommended to rely on decongestants to dive if you're significantly congested, ill, or haven’t verified how your body responds.

• Always stay within recommended doses; avoid large doses or multiple medications that might increase effects cumulatively.

• Consider safer alternatives and ensure your plan allows you to equalize reliably throughout both descent and ascent.

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