What is a recommended strategy to prevent sinus squeeze?

Preventing sinus squeeze is crucial for safe diving, and not diving with a cold is a recommended strategy because colds can cause nasal congestion and swelling of the sinus passages. When a diver has a cold, the eustachian tubes may not function properly, impairing the ability to equalize pressure in the sinuses and inner ears during descent. This dysfunction increases the risk of sinus squeeze, a painful and potentially harmful condition that occurs when the pressure in the surrounding water exceeds the pressure equalized in the sinuses.

Choosing not to dive when experiencing a cold ensures that the diver's respiratory passages are clear, reducing the likelihood of pressure-related issues. For divers, it's essential to have unobstructed airways for effective equalization, thereby allowing safe and comfortable diving experiences.

While other strategies can play a role in managing ear and sinus health while diving, such as using breaks or decongestants, they are not as effective as avoiding diving altogether when symptomatic, as they don't eliminate the underlying risk associated with congestion. Managing health before diving ensures a safer and more enjoyable dive.