Question:

I have pretty severe seasonal allergies that sometimes require daily medication. Is this a problem for diving?

Answer:

While some people suffer from very severe allergic reactions to specific foods or chemicals, mild environmental allergies are more common. They are most frequently caused by the body’s immune reaction to proteins contained in pollen, grasses, dust, animal dander and other common allergens. The usual symptoms of itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, nasal discharge, throat irritation and a dry cough are all too familiar to those afflicted.

According to conservative estimates, more than 20 percent of the population suffers from hay fever or similar allergies. In general, individuals with environmental allergies may dive safely. Only during severe flare-ups should the symptoms preclude the safe use of scuba equipment. The diver must be able to equalize pressure in the middle ears during descent; mucous plugs preventing drainage of the sinuses will keep the diver out of the water. The most common treatment involves the use of antihistamines, which causes varying amounts of sedation but generally won’t interfere with diving. More severely affected individuals might require systemic steroids or even desensitization treatment.