Diving with a cold or congestion
Congestion can lead to severe ear and sinus barotrauma. While it may be tempting to dive with a minor cold, the physiological risks underwater are significant.
Do not dive while congested
Attempting to equalize while congested can cause permanent damage to the middle ear or eardrums. If you cannot clear your ears easily on the surface, do not attempt to dive.
The risk of barotrauma
Congestion blocks the Eustachian tubes and sinus passages, preventing air from moving freely to equalize pressure. This can result in painful barotrauma, bleeding in the ear, or even a ruptured eardrum.
Even if you can equalize on descent, congestion can lead to a 'reverse block' during ascent. As the air expands, it becomes trapped in the ear or sinus, causing intense pain and potential injury.
The danger of decongestants
Using medication to mask symptoms before a dive is risky because the drugs can wear off while you are underwater. This increases the likelihood of a reverse block as you attempt to return to the surface.
Some decongestants can also have side effects like increased heart rate or drowsiness, which are undesirable in a diving environment. It is always safer to wait until the congestion has naturally cleared.
Recovery and return to diving
Allow yourself ample time to fully recover before returning to the water. A lingering cough or minor sinus pressure can still cause issues under the increased pressure of depth.
When you do return, take your descent slowly and be extra vigilant with your equalization. If you feel any resistance or discomfort, stop and end the dive rather than forcing your way down.
Dive-day checklist
Congestion safety checklist
- Check for ease of equalization on land
- Avoid diving if you have a cold or flu
- Do not use decongestants to mask symptoms
- Be aware of the risk of reverse blocks
- Wait for full recovery before diving again
General guidance only. Follow your training, the dive operator’s procedures, and each manufacturer’s current instructions.
Ask the dive guide
Personal guidance for your next dive
Describe a dive scenario or an equipment-care question. The guide answers in your language and points you to relevant journal articles.
General educational guidance only. It is not medical advice, emergency instruction or a replacement for training, certification, manufacturer instructions, your operator's briefing or your dive plan.