Can surfing cause sinus problems?

Can surfing cause sinus problems?

Chironis. “[When] surfing in unclean waters, an infection may develop.” Like other dangers from surfing in dirty water, the sinuses can be impacted and lead to infections, inflammation, or polyps – tiny, non-cancerous growths that line nasal passages.

Why does my nose drain after surfing?

“The likely explanation is that the water gets trapped along the lateral wall of the nose (where the sinuses drain) and then is dislodged with a certain movement or position. The water might even get into a sinus and take some time to get back out.”

Can salt water mess with your sinuses?

However, it’s important to remember that the intentional or inadvertent introduction of seawater into the sinuses could cause infection if the introduced water is loaded with a sufficient number of pathogenic bacteria or viruses.

Can oceans cause sinusitis?

Diving or swimming underwater can also cause sinusitis due to the changes in pressure. According to the New York Sinus Centre, this pressure change affects your sinus canal, which can cause your sinus passages to become blocked, which in turn traps mucus and allows for the growth of bacteria.

What to do about sinus infection after surfing?

If you’re having trouble with recurring infections, the best you can do, is limit the amount of bacteria getting in your sinuses, by only surfing when water conditions are ideal. And what about a technical name for this? “There is no technical term that I know of,” Dr. Chironis said.

What happens if your sinus infection won’t go away?

Chronic sinusitis can spread to the eyes, blood, and brain, and, in rare circumstances, cause death. For that reason, it’s important to take instances of sinusitis that won’t go away very seriously. If you have a persistent sinus infection, make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions regarding your antibiotics and of course, get plenty of rest.

Why does seawater become trapped in surfers’sinuses?

Why does seawater become trapped in surfers’ sinuses? “Seawater can flow through natural openings in sinuses between the nose and cheek,” Dr. Chironis said. “There is one area in the sinus between the cheek and nose just inferior to the inner portion of the eye that drains most sinuses. It’s a fancy term called the ostiomeatal unit.”

When to see a doctor for sinus drainage?

So if you’ve been sick for several days and are not getting better, see a doctor. This visit will help determine if you have an infection that requires treatment. After this infection clears up, the post-nasal drip should go away. Drinking hot liquids may also help thin mucus secretions.