Diving with One Lung?

[Divebuddies]

I finally persuaded my father to try out a discovery scuba class on our next vacation only to learn that he has one lung. We have an appointment with his GP next week to discuss the issue, but I wanted to get your thoughts on the matter. Assuming that he has normal functioning lung, there shouldn't be any problems, right? Thanks in advance.

 

[Wildcard]

The space that used to be filled with lung that can expand and contract may very well be filled with air that is not "vented " to the outside. That is dead air space. If there is not some sort of a shunt between the plural cavity and the trachea, this could be a problem....Im curious to hear what his Doc has to say.

 

[BigJetDriver]

I finally persuaded my father to try out a discovery scuba class on our next vacation only to learn that he has one lung. We have an appointment with his GP next week to discuss the issue, but I wanted to get your thoughts on the matter. Assuming that he has normal functioning lung, there shouldn't be any problems, right? Thanks in advance.

The answer to that question lies in your father's abillity to tolerate mild to moderate exercise. What is his over-all physical condition?

Some mild physical conditioning, such as rapid walking or biking would be in order. Other than his tolerance for exercise, there must be consideration of his over-all perfusion or blood circulation levels.

Assuming that, other than the missing lung, all else is relatively normal, recreational diving should be very relaxing for him.

In any case, finding a physician who is also a diver would be a good idea. That person will have a better grasp of the needs and requirements. (You can call DAN and see if they list one such in your area.)

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As always, while my opinion is that of a Certified Diver Medic Technician, it does not constitute a medical diagnosis. :doctor:

 

[BigJetDriver]

The space that used to be filled with lung that can expand and contract may very well be filled with air that is not "vented " to the outside. That is dead air space. If there is not some sort of a shunt between the plural cavity and the trachea, this could be a problem....Im curious to hear what his Doc has to say.

Uhh, I don't mean to be impolite sir, but as a Paramedic you should realize that if you have a shunt from your trachea to the pleural cavity, you will probably be in deep kimchi in terms of your ability to breathe. One can only suggest a return to your "Gray's Anatomy" for details. :doctor:

 

[DandyDon]

Woudln't the cavity vacated by the removed lung fill with body tissues and fluids, not air?

BTW, why was the lung removed? Other lung affected by the problem?

 

[Wildcard]

Uhh, I don't mean to be impolite sir, but as a Paramedic you should realize that if you have a shunt from your trachea to the pleural cavity, you will probably be in deep kimchi in terms of your ability to breathe. One can only suggest a return to your "Gray's Anatomy" for details. :doctor:

Ive never realy thought about it before but ther is air in there as any xray will show. My question is how it's vented. If it's sealed then no air exchange can happen and nor can equalization. If thats the case then diving is out. If there is some sort of a vent or shunt as I was talking about, it of course would have to be pressure regulated and Im not aware of anything like that. Any more questions?

Like I said, Im looking foreword to hearing becouse Ive never run across the issue before. Is there some sort of "vent" or "shunt?"

 

[BigJetDriver]

Like I said, Im looking forward to hearing because Ive never run across the issue before. Is there some sort of "vent" or "shunt?"

Wildcard,

In my DMT training, we did a lot of hyperbaric work. In the process, we studied a lot about barotrauma, and equalization of gas spaces, whether natural or not, within the body when under pressure or during its release.

Perhaps one of the resident Docs on this board can fill us in further, but I have not heard of any procedure to provide a regulated shunt from trachea to pleural cavity.

Cheers!

Rob

 

[Wildcard]

I haven't either but it would seem to me that there HAS to be some way. Thus my intrest. Without it they couldn't fly, drive to any kind of altitude or dive. Sorry if I didn't explain what seemed obvious to me more clearly.

 

[DandyDon]

Hey Medical fellows...?! I asked a question earlier, please?

Woudln't the cavity vacated by the removed lung fill with body tissues and fluids, not air?

BTW, why was the lung removed? Other lung affected by the problem?

 

[Wildcard]

No, it's filled with air....Why? CA. emph, ummm, Im sure there are others but Im not coming up with them right now.