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Q:
I’m a smoker; what impact might this have on
my ability to dive safely?
A:
Smoking raises more concerns for divers than you
might suspect. First of all, it causes a reduction in the
lungs’ ability to ventilate, which can reduce arterial
oxygenation and, consequently, exercise tolerance. Reduced
exercise tolerance may mean impaired ability to fight a
current or rescue yourself or another diver.
Smokers also have a higher incidence of lung damage
as well as acute and chronic respiratory tract infections,
all of which can limit exercise tolerance and, as a result,
safe diving. This risk may be better understood through
early identification using spirometry (a type of pulmonary-
function testing) and may be reduced with regular aerobic
exercise and by stopping smoking.
Smoking causes increased mucus production throughout
the respiratory tract — from the nasopharynx to the
bronchial tree. This mucus can block the Eustachian tubes,
complicating or preventing equalization of the middle
ears. This risk may be reduced by improved middle-ear-
equalization techniques and, again, stopping smoking. Mucus
plugs may also cause localized air trapping in the lungs.
Should compressed gas become trapped in the lung during
ascent, its expansion could cause pulmonary barotrauma
(lung overexpansion injury), a severe injury that can lead to
arterial gas embolism (AGE) or other complications. This
risk may be reduced by always ascending slowly (30 feet per
minute or slower) and (say it with us) stopping smoking.
Smoking is also known to be a significant risk factor for
coronary artery disease. Divers who smoke should consider
the risk of undetected coronary artery disease causing
New
for
2012
The Science of Wound care, diving and hyperbaric Medicine
3
rd
Annual Conference & Expo
August 3-5 2012
• Decompression Sickness
(DCS) Workshop
• Advances in Hyperbaric
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• Latest HBO Indication on
Sudden Idiopathic
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• Medical Fitness and Diving,
Issues Facing the “Working
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To become involved in this upcoming event, please contact
Jaclyn Messersmith, Nonprofit Services Coordinator
Divers Alert Network • 919.684.2948 x611
development@DAN.org
www.wdhmed.org
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Photo: Martin Edge
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