CHAPTER 19 — Diving Disorders Not Requiring Recompression Therapy
19-9
Face mask squeeze can occur when the diver fails to equalize air in the mask
by nasal exhalation. In a full face mask, malfunctioning air supply or valving
can cause face mask squeeze.
Suit squeeze is caused by a pocket of air in a dry suit that becomes trapped
under a fold or fitting and pinches the skin in the fold area.
Tooth squeeze is caused by a pocket of air in a filling.
19-4.1.1
Treating Squeeze During Descent. To treat squeeze during descent:
1.
Stop descent.
2.
If efforts to equalize pressure fail, ascend a few feet.
3.
Avoid clearing on ascent.
4.
Avoid a forceful Valsalva
5.
If further efforts to equalize pressure fail, abort the dive.
6.
If the diver reports dizziness, ventilate the diver, abort the dive, and evaluate
the need to send down the standby diver to assist.
7.
Report the squeeze to the medical personnel trained in diving medicine for
appropriate treatment.
19-4.1.2
Treating Reverse Squeeze During Ascent. Reverse squeeze occurs when gas
trapped in a cavity cannot escape as it expands during ascent. To treat reverse
squeeze of the middle ear or sinus during ascent:
1.
Stop ascent and, if clearing does not occur spontaneously, descend 2 to 4 feet.
2.
Ascend slowly and in stages to allow additional time for equalization.
3.
Avoid forceful Valsalva.
4.
Evaluate the need to send down the standby diver to assist if difficulty persists.
Vertigo may develop.
5.
Upon surfacing, report the problem to the medical personnel trained in diving
medicine for appropriate treatment.
19-4.1.3
Preventing Squeeze. Sinus and ear squeeze are best prevented by not diving with
nasal and sinus congestion. If decongestants must be used, check with medical
personnel trained in diving medicine to obtain medication that will not cause
drowsiness and possibly add to symptoms caused by the narcotic effect of
nitrogen.
