Your nose likely bled after diving due to pressure changes affecting the delicate lining of your sinuses, particularly if you have underlying sinus inflammation.
Understanding the Connection Between Diving and Nosebleeds
Diving subjects your body to significant pressure changes. These changes can impact the sinus cavities, which are air-filled spaces in your skull that connect to your nasal passages.
The Role of Sinuses and Pressure
- Pressure Equalization: During descent, pressure increases. To avoid barotrauma (pressure injury), you need to equalize the pressure in your sinuses, typically by pinching your nose and gently blowing.
- Sinus Lining: The lining of the sinuses is delicate. If you have difficulty equalizing pressure or if the lining is already inflamed, the pressure changes can cause it to rupture, leading to bleeding.
Chronic Sinusitis as a Contributing Factor
- Inflammation: Chronic sinusitis involves inflammation of the sinus lining. This inflammation makes the lining more fragile and susceptible to injury.
- Friability: Inflamed tissue becomes "friable," meaning it's easily damaged or bleeds easily. Therefore, even slight pressure changes can cause a nosebleed.
Summary
In essence, the pressure changes during diving, combined with potential inflammation or friability of the sinus lining (often due to chronic sinusitis), can result in a nosebleed. Ensuring proper equalization techniques and addressing underlying sinus issues can help prevent this.
