Pleurisy and diving

[DallasNewbie]

I am trying to find any information about pleurisy and diving, esp. if there is any relation to a history of childhood asthma. Putting both terms in Google just brings up an bunch of medical history forms, but none of them actually list pleurisy as a relative or absolute contraindication to diving. What I'd like to know generally is if pleurisy is likely to be caused by diving, and is it a sign that other bad outcomes are likely in the future. Assuming that pneumothorax has been ruled out is it enough on it's own to recommend someone not dive? I'm not asking for specific medical advice, I will talk directly to a doctor for that. I am just trying to get a wider perspective. Thanx for any info.

 

[DocVikingo]

I am trying to find any information about pleurisy and diving, esp. if there is any relation to a history of childhood asthma. Putting both terms in Google just brings up an bunch of medical history forms, but none of them actually list pleurisy as a relative or absolute contraindication to diving. What I'd like to know generally is if pleurisy is likely to be caused by diving, and is it a sign that other bad outcomes are likely in the future. Assuming that pneumothorax has been ruled out is it enough on it's own to recommend someone not dive? I'm not asking for specific medical advice, I will talk directly to a doctor for that. I am just trying to get a wider perspective. Thanx for any info.

Pleurisy describes chest wall discomfort due to inflammation of the lung. It can be caused by a number of conditions that irritate lung tissue and be either transient or permanent.

Fluid often accumulates at the site of inflammation and if copious enough can result in coughing, shortness of breath/rapid breathing, and a bluish tint to the skin, lips and/or fingernail beds due to a lack of oxygen in the blood.

Obviously it can have serious implications for scuba.

To the best of my admittedly limited knowledge, adult pleurisy would not have any relationship to a history of childhood asthma.

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[DallasNewbie]

Thank you for the info. My wife has been cleared to dive by her regular doctor (non-diving) after she rulled out a pneumothorax.

 

[ocean_girl]

I dove with Pleurisy and it didn't bother me a bit. It may have a been just a teeny tiny bit harder to clear, but that's it.