Spontaneous Pneumothorax

[ScubyDoo]

Spontaneous Pneumothorax (collapsed lung).

Ive read where people who have had spontaneous pneumothorax's in the past should not dive. Spontaneous meaning the collapsed lung did not occur as a result of an injury, rather as a result of an inherent phsyiological weak spot on the lung which ruptures. I have a friend who wants to learn to dive, but suffered one episode of this almost 10 years ago. At the time he was very unhealthy, smoked heavily, drank heavily, ate very poorly, etc. Today he is very healthy, does not smoke, runs about 6 miles a week, works out, eats very healthy etc. Id like to know everyones opinions on whether or not my friend is at risk if he goes ahead and pursues diving, or if the risks are really minimal?

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi ScubyDoo,

You may wish to read the following from our very own dive medicine expert, the bow tie sporting "Smiling Ernie" Campbell:

http://www.scuba-doc.com/spntpnu.htm

His material seems to leave some "wiggle room," and this may be appropriate given the history you provide on your friend. In any event, his advice regarding no diving without clearance by a chest specialist (preferably one versed in dive medicine) should be heeded.

Some other expert sources do not seem quite as flexible, and recommend that in general those with a history of spontaneous pneumothorax not dive. This extends to individuals with lungs that currently read normal upon imaging & functional evaluation.

Hope you found this helpful.

DocVikingo

 

[ScubyDoo]

Thanks Doc! That is exactly the type information I was looking for. Perhaps there is some ray of hope for my friend afterall. Hopefully we can find a good local doctor who specializes in this area to check him over and get a spinal CT done to evaluate the risk. Thanks again!

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi ScubyDoo,

It was my pleasure.

BTW, the CT scan in question is a SPIRAL, not SPINAL. Also, spiral CT is not readily available everywhere, and some specialists may not feel it's indicated for this particular situation. Best bet is simply to have your friend see a recognized chest specialist with some knowledge of dive medicine. That physician can then decide on the most appropriate evaluation.

Best of luck.

DocVikingo