General Cycling Discussion - Cycling with head congestion

Do any of you continue to ride if you have severe head congestion that's causing an ear block? If not, do you see it as a safety issue because it'll be harder to hear your surroundings and your inner-ear balance may be thrown off?

I've never actually had anything like that before. Exactly how severe is the ear block? If it's too bad you might think about seeing a doctor.

Originally posted by Chris L
I've never actually had anything like that before. Exactly how severe is the ear block? If it's too bad you might think about seeing a doctor.

It's fluid buildup in the ear. My sinuses are actually clear. It's started clearing a bit but was bad this morning so I had to forego my ride which was a shame since it was a rather nice day. It's only my left ear too. I wonder if it's some kind of ear infection.

I follow the rule, ride a cold, rest a flu.

I've rode with a bit of congestion and runny nose before. I usually just follow my gut instinct. If I've got a bit of cold and don't feel like riding I don't. I'd rather not make myself worse off. If I've got flu bug, forget it. Stay at home down some Ny-Quil and get some sleep.

But it sounds like you've got something else there. If your not sure, always better to have doc check it out.

Hope you feel better soon.

I don't know,
if you have blocked ear without any other
upper respiritory infection I'd be heading for the doctor.
Ear blocks, if left untreated can lead to some nasty situations,
including hearing loss.
If you have a cold, etc. then I'd wait and see if it clears in
a day or so.
Either way, Don't Dive with ear/sinus problems. :lol:

Marty

If you take it easy, riding might help "clear up" your head. But it sounds like you might be bad off, and need a doctor to check it out.

Either way, "mild exercise" is good, at i think so......