NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey (1 Jan 2007) -- Scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving is a very popular sport enjoyed by millions of people across the country. Before diving, it is of utmost importance to receive proper education, training, certification and medical clearance. Certain medical conditions can disqualify people from diving. These conditions include (but are not limited to): pregnancy; acute infections of the ears or respiratory tract; certain pulmonary, cardiac and gastrointestinal conditions; seizure disorders, and sickle cell disease. There are also conditions, such as diabetes and asthma that in certain cases may disqualify people from diving. Most people with mild, well-controlled hypertension (high blood pressure) can safely scuba dive. However, everyone with hypertension requires a comprehensive exam by a physician before scuba diving. Some anti-hypertension medications, such as beta-blockers, can pose increased risks. Until recently, all people with asthma were disqualified from scuba diving. Now, the medical consensus is that people with mild asthma, whose symptoms are well controlled, may scuba dive. Before diving, a thorough evaluation by a physician is recommended. The evaluation may include an exercise stress test followed by pulmonary function tests. The diver with asthma should fully understand the disease process. Most people with diabetes should not scuba dive. This is because of multiple risks, including experiencing a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) episode while underwater. Only with the clearance of a physician should a person with diabetes engage in scuba diving. All divers must be knowledgeable about decompression sickness (the bends) and nitrogen narcosis. As divers descend, a greater amount of nitrogen and oxygen is dissolved in the blood and body tissues. On ascent, the nitrogen leaves the tissues and body. If ascent is too rapid, the nitrogen will be released too quickly from the tissues and form bubbles in the bloodstream that can block blood flow to vital areas and cause pain in the limbs and abdomen. | | This is decompression sickness. It can result in very severe consequences. Treatment is to bring the diver, without delay, to a recompression facility. Decompression sickness can be avoided by controlling the rate of ascent or by limiting the depth of dives. Breathing compressed air at depths of approximately 30 meters (100 feet) or more can lead to symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication. This is called nitrogen narcosis or "rapture of the depths." Treatment is to ascend to a shallower depth. Scuba diving should always be done with a buddy. Consider your own safety and the safety of your buddy when diving. Always be aware of the other diver's medical conditions. See your physician before diving to see if it is safe for you. SOURCE - Everything Jersey |
