Collapsed Lung and Diving...

[flyinghuntster]

Dr.
I have a friend who had a Collapsed lung about 20 years ago and wanted to take up Diving but is concerned about the possibility of his lung collapsing again. He freedives to about 30 feet and has for about 5 years without any problems.
The only thing I know about how his lung collapsed was that he was in a motorcycle accident and the bike landed on his chest collapsing his lung. His chest was drained of blood and he got the lung back.
Is there a danger of any recurring trouble with his lung on deep dives. I just got my AOW and I’d like to dive with him but without a Rescue Qual I am worried that he might have trouble that I can’t handle.

 

[Mako Mark]

(not a doctor but work closely with a hyperbaric doctor and have had this question many times)

The usual answer is no, not so much for the likelyhood of it reoccuring, that only is a concern with spontaneous Pneyumothorax, but rather that scar tissues in the lungs may cause partial blockage of expanding air upon ascent.

Whatever way, a consultation with a hyperbaric physician is proabaly the prudent path to take..

 

[flyinghuntster]

Thanks for the info, I'll pass it on.

 

[Dr Deco]

The "textbook answer" is that the real problem is a spontaneous (= no recognizable cause) lung collapse.

Best to get advice from the clinicians at DAN

 

[IlikeItwetPls]

The Pnuemo should not be a problem from so long ago (if you have not had any recurring problems) since it was a traumatic pnuemo. The precentage of the pnumeo is important too. Most non-tramatic pneumothorax less than 20% do not even receive a chest tube.

Recurring spontaneous 'pneumos' could cause you a problem due lack of good adheasion with the plural cavity.