## Understanding Nasal Breathing in Scuba Diving
Nasal breathing is a natural instinct for humans, and it may seem like the most comfortable way to breathe while scuba diving. However, it can actually be detrimental to your safety and enjoyment of the dive.
## Why Nasal Breathing is a Problem in Scuba Diving
There are several reasons why nasal breathing is discouraged in scuba diving:
### 1. Increased Risk of Barotrauma
The sinuses are air-filled cavities in the skull that are connected to the nose. When you breathe through your nose underwater, the pressure in your sinuses can increase, causing barotrauma. Barotrauma can lead to pain, bleeding, and even permanent damage to the sinuses.
### 2. Reduced Visibility
When you breathe through your nose, bubbles are released from your nostrils. These bubbles can obscure your vision, making it difficult to see underwater.
### 3. Reduced Buoyancy Control
When you breathe through your nose, you are more likely to hold your breath, which can lead to changes in your buoyancy. This can make it difficult to maintain a neutral buoyancy, which is essential for safe and enjoyable diving.
## How to Stop Breathing Out of Your Nose
If you find yourself breathing out of your nose while scuba diving, there are a few things you can do to stop:
### 1. Practice Mouth Breathing
Before you go diving, practice breathing through your mouth on land. This will help you get used to the feeling of mouth breathing and make it easier to do it underwater.
### 2. Use a Nasal Clip
A nasal clip is a small device that fits over your nose and prevents you from breathing through your nostrils. Nasal clips are available at most dive shops.
### 3. Bite Down on Your Snorkel
If you are using a snorkel, you can bite down on it to keep your mouth closed. This will help prevent you from breathing through your nose.
### 4. Sing
Singing underwater can help you to keep your mouth closed and breathe through your mouth. It can also be a fun way to pass the time while you are diving.
## Conclusion
Nasal breathing is not recommended for scuba diving. It can lead to several problems, including barotrauma, reduced visibility, and reduced buoyancy control. By practicing mouth breathing, using a nasal clip, biting down on your snorkel, or singing, you can stop breathing out of your nose and enjoy a safe and enjoyable dive.
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