diving and dizziness

Question
Hi, I am a fairly experienced diver with 100+ dives but have always had problems equalizing.  I  always have to take it very slowly and use a variety of tried and tested techniques to equalize- I never force it! It does get easier after repetitive dives but I am always a lot slower descending than fellow divers.  I have also now had 2 episodes of dizziness lasting up to a week after I stop diving, though with no ear pain. My GP said i had water trapped in my middle ear and prescribed Beconase. I just wondered if you had any further ideas about what causes these problems and how i could prevent it in future? I hope I'm not doing my ears any permanent damage!! thanks.

Answer
Lorna,

Post diving dizziness should certainly be checked out.

There is a complex interaction between the ears, nose, and throat taking place while trying to equalize the air spaces of the body with the ambient pressure under water.

For more information on the physiology and prevention of the problems you describe, I recommend you check out some of the information provided by Divers Alert Network:

http://dan.org/medical/faq/Default.aspx

As for your specific complications, I have to suggest you contact an otolaryngologist for an exam and treatment of the symptoms you describe.

Hope this helps,

Henry Babcock
AllExperts SCUBA Expert