Q1_Winter_2017_AlertDiver

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Q:Is there any reason cold
water might increase
the likelihood of lung
squeeze while freediving? I
have experienced lung squeeze
a few times, but only in cold
water (around 45°F). I was
shallower than 100 feet. In
warm water I can reach 165
feet, so I believe the squeeze is
somehow related to the water
temperature.
A:You described your
condition as lung squeeze,
but it sounds like your
question is really about what might
have caused you to cough up blood
from your lungs (presumably)
under the conditions you describe.
Given the variable impact of
depth on the development of
the condition, you could be
experiencing a form of immersion
pulmonary edema (IPE).
62 | WINTER 2017
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