Abstract
Aims:
To investigate the hypothesis that a salt water SCUBA dive may cause bronchoconstriction in some individuals.
Methods:
100 experienced recreational SCUBA divers acted as their own controls. Spirometry measures were taken with Easyone™ spirometers before and after a dive. Measures recorded included FEV1/FVC ratio and forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF25–75%).
Results:
60 participants (68% male, 32% female) aged between 19–68 years (mean 47 years) produced data meeting ATS/ERS international standards. Of these, 23% exhibited pre-dive FEV1/FVC ratio values less than 75%. Statistics on paired samples of pre- and post-parameters showed a significant decrease in FVC post-dive but did not show significant reductions in FEV1 or FEV1/FVC. Six (10%) were current smokers and 13 (21%) were former smokers.
Conclusions:
25% of participants had reduced FEV1/FVC ratio regardless of undertaking a dive. Consideration of the clinical implications requires further investigation.
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Wilson, A. Prevalence and characteristics of lung function changes in recreational scuba divers. Prim Care Respir J 20, 59–63 (2011). https://doi.org/10.4104/pcrj.2010.00063
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.4104/pcrj.2010.00063
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