Collapsed Lung...

[typicalfish]

I suffered a spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung) in my early 20's; I was told by the doctor at the time that it was just something "that happens" (I was in the risk group; tall, thin, male, etc.) and that it would affect me except that I should not smoke or take in pressurized air for at least 5 years. I had started my certification (well, one lesson) and have done demo dives since then; however, I REALLY enjoy it and would like to get back into it. Is there anyone with any knowledge as to the risk factors (if any) involved? I have not had a recurrent incident, and VERY rarely experiece any chest pain.

Thanks in advance for any information.

Matt

 

[TheAvatar]

Consult a DAN (Divers Alert NetworK) Doctor.

Also see this thread: Pneumothorax and Diving
http://www.scubaboard.com/t64107.html

 

[GoBlue!]

Matt- You'll find many good links on the board (one provided in the post above) re: spontaneous pneumothorax. Scubaboard should not replace a visit or chat with a dive physician (e.g., DAN consultation), but I wouldn't get your hopes up. The general line is that those who have suffered a spontaneous pneumothorax should not dive. I'm not sure where the "5 year" timeframe that your doctor gave you is from; haven't heard that before.

One source that you could read is the British Thoracic Society Guidelines on Respiratory Aspects of Fitness for Diving. You'll note in their discussion of spontaneous pneumothorax that there is a substantial number of late recurrences (> 5 yrs).

I hope you go through life without ever having another pneumothorax. If you're destined to have one, however, I sure wouldn't want it to occur at depth.

Jim

 

[alemaozinho]

I suffered a spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung) in my early 20's; I was told by the doctor at the time that it was just something "that happens" (I was in the risk group; tall, thin, male, etc.) and that it would affect me except that I should not smoke or take in pressurized air for at least 5 years. I had started my certification (well, one lesson) and have done demo dives since then; however, I REALLY enjoy it and would like to get back into it. Is there anyone with any knowledge as to the risk factors (if any) involved? I have not had a recurrent incident, and VERY rarely experiece any chest pain.

Thanks in advance for any information.

Matt

consult Divers Alert Network and on top of that see a dive medic to check you out,i,d also would seek advise from a specialist before getting any ok,remember that it,s your life on the line.

 

[typicalfish]

Thanks for the replies and concern, guys... (As much as I HATE to take advice from a Michigan fan ;-))... It has been 18 years since it happened, and I have not had any trouble since; and every time I go to Catalina (I live on the beach in Long Beach) the water beckons... I will get a realistic opinion from a DAN doc and see what his thoughts are... Thanks again...

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Some relevant sections from GUIDELINES FOR RECREATIONAL SCUBA DIVER’S PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

For the purposes of this document, Severe Risk implies that an individual is believed to be at substantially elevated risk of decompression sickness, pulmonary or otic barotrauma or altered consciousness with subsequent drowning, compared with the general population. The consultants involved in drafting this document would generally discourage a student with such medical problems from diving.

PULMONARY
A pneumothorax that occurs or reoccurs while diving may be catastrophic. As the diver ascends, air trapped in the cavity expands and could produce a tension pneumothorax.

Severe Risk Conditions
• History of spontaneous pneumothorax. Individuals who have experienced spontaneous pneumothorax should avoid diving, even after a surgical procedure designed to prevent recurrence (such as pleurodesis). Surgical procedures either do not correct the underlying lung abnormality (e.g.: pleurodesis, apical pleurectomy) or may not totally correct it (e.g.: resection of blebs or bullae).

 

[typicalfish]

Damning testimony, to be sure. I guess I will have to stick to bubble butting around on the surface with my snorkel.
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