DIVERS' PULMONARY FUNCTION FOLLOWING AIR HYPERBARIC EXPOSURES

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DIVERS' PULMONARY FUNCTION FOLLOWING AIR HYPERBARIC EXPOSURES

Journal Title: Scientific Journal of the Military University of Land Forces - Year 2009, Vol 154, Issue 4

Abstract

During diving a number of factors capable of affecting pulmonary function begin to influ-ence a diver's respiratory system. These factors are shown as disrupting the proper functioning of lungs during diving as well as after surfacing. The negative effects that extend their influence beyond the stay in an increased pressure environment and other stress factors may contribute to lowering the effectiveness of a diver's functioning after that person returns to normal pressure conditions. It is, therefore, imperative to determine whether and for how long such changes endure, and to seek ways to minimize their effects.Nineteen subjects participated in the study, with a mean age of 22.1 ± 1.3 years. All of the hyperbaric exposures took place in a hyperbaric chamber at The Department of Diving Technology and Underwater Works at the Naval Academy in Gdynia, Poland. The subjects were exposed to increased pressure twice: in one session to the pressure of 2 atmospheres (10 meters), and in the other session to the pressure of 3 atmospheres (20 meters). The stay lasted 20 minutes. In both cases, compressed air was used as respiratory substance.The efficiency of the respiratory system was evaluated through a spirometric examination with a MicroLab ML3500 (Micro Medical, Great Britain) spirometer. Before each session in the hyperbaric chamber, a control examination was performed. Another examination was conducted after an increased pressure exposure.It can be observed from the results that the higher values of virtually every parameter were obtained during the examination performed after the hyperbaric chamber sessions. This confirms the fact that there are no negative changes in pulmonary function after a single hyperbaric exposure. The juxtaposition of the examined spirometric parameters with the due values indicates that they remain below or at normal level. This, in turn, suggests the presence of moderate constrictions in the medium and small bronchi. These results confirm that insignificant changes in pulmonary function observed after a single diving may increase and become more permanent as a result of frequent divings, leading to constriction damage of the lower respiratory tract.

Authors and Affiliations

Andrzej SAMOŁYK , Włodzimierz WIĄZEK , Zbigniew JETHON

Keywords

ekspozycja hiperbaryczna spirometria wentylacja płuc nurek nurkowanie podwyższone ciśnienie

EP ID EP60851
DOI -
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