## Can the Urge to Sneeze While Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is an exciting and rewarding activity, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not properly prepared. One of the potential hazards of scuba diving is the urge to sneeze.
Sneezing while scuba diving can be a serious problem because it can cause you to lose control of your regulator and ascend to the surface too quickly. This can lead to decompression sickness, a potentially fatal condition.
## What Causes the Urge to Sneeze While Scuba Diving?
The urge to sneeze is caused by the irritation of the nasal passages. This irritation can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Cold water: The cold water can irritate the nasal passages and cause them to produce mucus. This mucus can then trigger the urge to sneeze.
Dry air: The air in scuba tanks is often dry, which can also irritate the nasal passages and cause them to produce mucus.
Allergies: If you’re allergic to something in the water, such as pollen or plankton, this can also cause the urge to sneeze.
## How to Prevent the Urge to Sneeze While Scuba Diving
There are a few things you can do to help prevent the urge to sneeze while scuba diving:
Take a nasal decongestant before you dive. This will help to reduce the amount of mucus in your nasal passages.
Wear a wetsuit hood. This will help to keep your head warm and prevent the cold water from irritating your nasal passages.
Breathe through your nose. This will help to keep your nasal passages moist and prevent them from becoming irritated.
If you do feel the urge to sneeze, try to hold it in. This may be difficult, but it’s important to avoid sneezing while scuba diving.
## What to Do If You Sneeze While Scuba Diving
If you do sneeze while scuba diving, the most important thing to do is to stay calm and not panic. Here are a few steps you can follow:
1. Hold on to your regulator. This will help you to stay in control of your buoyancy and prevent you from ascending to the surface too quickly.
2. Try to exhale through your nose. This will help to clear the mucus from your nasal passages and reduce the urge to sneeze.
3. If you can’t exhale through your nose, try to breathe shallowly. This will help to reduce the pressure in your sinuses and make it easier to hold in the sneeze.
4. Once the urge to sneeze has passed, take a few deep breaths and resume your dive.
## Conclusion
The urge to sneeze while scuba diving can be a serious problem, but it can be prevented and managed. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable scuba diving experience.