Sinus squeeze prevention includes which recommendation?

Sinus squeeze prevention includes which recommendation?

• A. Do not dive with congestion or head cold, ascend to restore balance, abort dive
• B. Wait until symptoms disappear before diving
• C. Only dive in cold water
• D. Use decongestants before diving

Answer: (A)

Sinus squeeze prevention centers on keeping the sinus passages open so pressure can equalize as you descend. If you’re congested or have a head cold, the sinus ostia can be blocked, trapping air and risking barotrauma when external pressure increases. The best approach is to not dive if you’re congested, and if you start to feel pressure or can’t equalize, stop descending, ascend to a shallower depth to allow balance to restore, and abort the dive if the problem doesn’t clear. The other ideas don’t fit as reliably: waiting until symptoms disappear is prudent but doesn’t address the risk during descent and the need to abort if equalization can’t be achieved; diving only in cold water doesn’t prevent sinus squeeze; and relying on decongestants before diving can be unsafe or ineffective and doesn’t guarantee prevention.

Sinus squeeze prevention centers on keeping the sinus passages open so pressure can equalize as you descend. If you’re congested or have a head cold, the sinus ostia can be blocked, trapping air and risking barotrauma when external pressure increases. The best approach is to not dive if you’re congested, and if you start to feel pressure or can’t equalize, stop descending, ascend to a shallower depth to allow balance to restore, and abort the dive if the problem doesn’t clear. The other ideas don’t fit as reliably: waiting until symptoms disappear is prudent but doesn’t address the risk during descent and the need to abort if equalization can’t be achieved; diving only in cold water doesn’t prevent sinus squeeze; and relying on decongestants before diving can be unsafe or ineffective and doesn’t guarantee prevention.