Antibiotics are a common form of medication that is used to fight bacterial infections. Penicillin was the very first antibiotic to be discovered and it is still used today, but there are many other types of antibiotics that are also used frequently. Infections such as ear infections, sinus infections, strep throat, gastrointestinal infections, skin infections, bronchitis, and more are treated with antibiotics. Divers bring various medications with them when they are traveling abroad to treat their pre-existing health conditions. Antibiotics are one such medication and are used if and when an illness arises. It is not uncommon for divers to get bacterial illnesses while traveling and since access to good medical care is sometimes difficult, carrying antibiotics has proven to be quite helpful.
Often times a doctor will prescribe antibiotics when a patient has a cold or flu, but it is widely known that antibiotics do not protect against viral infections. Instead, the prescribed antibiotics are taken as a preventative measure to ensure that a secondary bacterial infection does not develop. Sometimes divers take antibiotics as a preventative measure to ensure that they do not pick up a bacterial infection from the water in which they are diving. It is important to realize that bacteria is becoming more and more resistant to antibiotics and that taking antibiotics as a preventative measure may not stop you from getting an infection. In the case of potentially dirty water, it is better to avoid it all together or ensure that you are wearing proper protection so that your skin does not pick up any infections.
Since antibiotics are so commonly prescribed and taken, it is warranted for a diver to wonder if they can dive safely while taking antibiotics. The answer is yes, you may take antibiotics and still dive. However, there are other things to be aware of when taking antibiotics and diving. The first of these is that some antibiotics, those in the Fluoroquinolone family and the Tetracycline family, will cause the skin to be more sensitive to the sun. Because diving often takes place in areas in which the sun is strong, caution is recommended and taking something other than a Tetracycline drug is advised.
Another thing to be aware of is the potential side effects of the antibiotic you are taking. Some antibiotics cause nausea and diarrhea and these can seriously affect your dive schedule and your dive vacation overall. If you are taking antibiotics, you want to be sure you do not end up vomiting while diving, which can cause serious trouble if the vomit gets into your regulator or into your lungs. You also do not want to experience diarrhea while diving. If you do not truly need the antibiotics, then it is best to avoid taking them if you plan to dive. If you are ill, it is best to let your body rest and recover before you return to diving if at all possible. If it is not possible and you know there may be unwanted side effects from the antibiotics you have been prescribed, then try to find an alternative medication that may limit the side effects.
The best thing to do when prescribed antibiotics is to talk with your doctor about the possible side effects and be sure that you have a good idea of what they are. If you are being treated with a low dose of antibiotics, then you should have no problems when diving. If you have adverse reactions when you start taking the antibiotics, then you can ask your doctor to adjust the dosage to minimize these side effects so that you can function properly during your dive. After all, when you are diving, you want to be sure that you are fully healthy and in top form and that means that you have energy and feel good. Doing so will enable you to dive safely and enjoy the sport you love.