Scuba diving (blood in mucus)?

Question

I did 2 dives yesterday with a few buddies in a quarry (44degree temp waters) and had a decent amount of blood on the 2nd dive. Both dives I really had no problem equalizing, but on the 2nd dive I did have a little trouble with 1 ear but went up a litte bit and had no more problem. When we came up my friend said I had a little blood. I noticed once in a while I might get a small amount here and there but nothing major. When I was taking a shower and blew my nose I noticed a lot coming out almost like my nose was bleeding and this morning I felt like c**p. My ears have also been bothering me like I got some water trapped in there or something and have a little loss of hearing. (i've gotten ear infections from this quarry before) and i took some decongestant in hopes to dry it out and put some water in there for a bit hoping the chlorine might kill any bacteria laying around. Anyway, I just hocked up some mucus and it was almost all blood. I'm hoping it may have just been from yesterday.

Answer 1

Nosebleeds are not uncommon amongst Scuba Divers, and being in cold water probably makes it more likely to occur.  Here's what the Diver's Alert Network has to say on this subject:  

"The barotrauma that is produced when the sinuses are not cleared can cause blood vessels in the lining of the nose to burst. These vessels lie very close to the top of the mucous membrane lining in the nose and sinuses, and the blood can come from the lining in either. This type of barotrauma, generally the result of air being trapped within the sinuses, is not always painful, though the presence of blood can be disconcerting to a new diver. With this type of injury, blood can run down the back of the throat or pool in the sinus below the eye and emerge at a different time. It can also act as a growth medium for bacteria and result in sinus infections.

Individuals with a history of sinus trouble, allergies, a broken nose, or deviated septum, as well as divers who currently have colds may find the clearing procedure difficult to accomplish and may experience a problem with nosebleeds. It's always best not to dive with a cold or any condition that may block the sinus air passages.

We suggest a slow, gentle descent with frequent equalizing to help decrease the risk of sinus barotrauma. Divers who are unable to clear their sinuses or have frequent nosebleeds when scuba diving should see their personal physicians or ear-nose-and-throat specialists for evaluation."

If the symptoms persist you might want to see your Doctor.  More information is available at the DAN website below.

Answer 2

You need to equalize more than you are  doing...some people need to do so more than others, especially if you still have tonsils/and or ear problems.

I have heard that taking sudafed the night before and day of the dive really helps with equalizing issues.

Answer 3

A reverse block. Honestly, you shouldn't have pushed the  second dive. I've had it happen to me as well, usually because I just "had to get that dive in" and to h**l with the consequences resulting in using my blood as a mask defog at great velocity. In my experience (twice in 20 years), it usually takes a little time for your sinus membranes to heal ( you ruptured them). Steer clear of dives for awhile. You think what you're blowing out now is shocking...wait a few days. It may turn almost black what comes out. Old blood. See an ENT. He may offer something to help the healing or at the least he can see what sort of damage has been done and give you a time frame for resuming diving. As for decongestants...stay away from anything chemical. If you must use one, use a saline mist. It works just as well as a chemical spray and doesn't have the rebound effect the chemicals do.