Scuba divers ignore medical conditions to dive
18 October 2002
Some experienced recreational scuba divers are continuing to dive despite the presence of contraindications such as epilepsy, diabetes and a past history of a pneumothorax, Melbourne research shows.
Data from 346 divers who completed a postal survey showed while only 5 people were still diving with one of these conditions, many admitted to past or present medical histories that may affect their ability to dive.
Nearly half (47 per cent) were overweight, 13 per cent required regular medication, 11 per cent smoked, 10 per cent reported a past or present history of asthma, and another 10 per cent reported hypertension or coronary heart disease.
Other conditions included past or present psychological problems (25 per cent), hearing difficulties (12 per cent) and tinnitus (23 per cent), researchers from the Royal Melbourne Hospital wrote in Wilderness and Environmental Medicine (2002; 13: 187-93).
The researchers did not know whether the divers failed to disclose these conditions at their initial medical examination, or whether the conditions developed subsequently. The high prevalence of hearing difficulties and tinnitus may be a result of aural barotrauma.
The divers in this study belonged to scuba clubs across Australia and had been diving for an average 10 years.
Last Reviewed: 18 October 2002
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 18/10/02
