(kind of gross question) whats with the after-dive snotball phenomenon?

[chrisw]

HI all,

So, what is with the after-dive snotball
phenomenon
?
Each time I dive (pool, lake or ocean),
all 30 of them including all CW training,
I get treated to a big snotball just after
I surface. In the pool and lake , it slithers
down the back of my throat but, in the
ocean, it oozes out of my nose becoming
a lovely visual treat for the folks on the dive
boat.

Does anyone else get this?
Can anyone explain the physics and physiology
involved with this phenomenon?

Can you tell I am REALLY bored and need to
go diving again?


-chrisw

PS i promise to bring a hankie next time i dive.

[freedivernd]

Hey Chris,
everyone gets it but it's just too gross to talk about.

I think the water works like nose spray, it just gets things draining. I would think that the bigger (gross) problem would be in salt water or chlorinated swimming pool, but lake water does have the same effect.

Something that maybe adds to the phenom is that you are blowing out your nose to equalize your mask, so in effect, blowing your nose with a mask instead of a kleenex. Probably subconsciously blowing out your nose slightly all the time too, just to keep the water out even with out a mask on.

You're right Chris... gross, gross. For some reason used kleenex's just bug me, I won't use someone elses kleenex but I've worn other peoples' masks.

Fred

[tcjtn0]

I think *EVERY* diver at one time or another comes up looking pretty SNOTTY!
I know I do all the time. Fred's explination sounds plausable to me.
Its such a wonderful sight. Was on a dive boat and watching a group of 3 divers getting ready to come up the ladder.
All of them looked like little kids with terrible colds. I almost broke out laughing but I remember that I look that way too!!!

Thanks...(sniffle...snort...)
Jean