RESPIRATORY

Scuba Diving And Lung Disease

  • Complications of diving
    • Pulmonary barotrauma
    • Decompression sickness
  • Asthma is now not an absolute C/I to diving. 2 thoughts with asthma:
    • Pulmonary barotrauma from hyperinflation, air trapping and airway obstruction
    • Trigger for asthma from compressed gas (cold and dry), and physical exertion.
  • Might be okay to dive with asthma if:
    • Asymptomatic and normal lung function on spirometry and bronchial provocation tests (acceptable level of risk)
    • Dissuade if active wheeze, or moderate-severe persistent asthma. 
  • Advise not to dive:
    • Past spontaneous pneumothorax
    • Existing lung cysts or bullae
  • If in doubt – send to respiratory lab!

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