Why medical background is important for scuba diving?
By going underwater, divers exposes themselves to the force of hydrostatic pressure or simply said the weight of the water on their bodies. On land, unless at altitude, we do not expose ourselves to changes of pressure like we do in diving. This change has effects on the human body and could cause decompression sickness. Some medical conditions are known to increase drastically the chances of such sickness occurring.
How do I know if I am fit for diving?
This is a question that often comes to mind of people who start or want to start diving. Good news is you do not have to be an athlete to dive and most people are considered fit for it.
In most places in the world this is determined by a medical questionnaire. The outcome determine if a physician examination and clearance is required. This medical questionnaire can be found at a local dive shop or center or given by an instructor. Another way to get it is to download it from the website of the agency you are interested in.
In some countries like France, medical clearance from a physician is required for any in-water scuba diving activities.
Just remember the goal is not to see if you are fit enough for diving but to keep you safe doing it. It might seems to be overwhelming but it is for good reasons. It should not be an overlooked part of scuba diving.
There are medical conditions known to be incompatible with diving. Some of them could be depending on the medication taken to treat symptoms. Or for surgeries and other physical injuries how long it’s been and how healed it is.
Here is a list that represent the most likely asked questions by training agencies prior to in water activities. It is not a complete list and should not be used as a final diagnostic. The appropriate action is to visit a dive shop or center and ask about it. Also some agencies provides their medical forms online. You can see the list of agencies to get to their website.
Have you ever had…
- Cardiac problems, heart diseases or attacks?
- Angina or blood or heart vessels surgery?
- Lung diseases, pneumothorax or collapsed lung?
- Asthma, emphysema, wheezing when breathing?
- Perforated eardrum, ear or sinus surgery, ear disease, problems with balance?
- A back surgery or recurrent back problems?
- A stroke, brain damage or nervous system injury?
- Colostomy or chest surgery?
- A diving accident or other pressure related accident?
- Seizures, convulsions, epilepsy and take medicine to prevent them?
- History of blackouts, fainting, loss of consciousness, coma?
- History of ulcers or ulcers surgery?
- History of bleeding or other blood disorders or diseases?
Do you currently have…
- A cold, sinusitis, ear infection or other sinus or ear problem?
- Bronchitis or other lungs problems?
- Abnormal blood pressure and take medication to control it?
- Behavioral problems, dementia, schizophrenia?
- Allergies that affects breathing such as hayfever or other severe attack of allergies?
- Other important medical considerations
- Do you take prescriptions drugs excluding contraceptive pills or malaria medication?
- Are you trying to be pregnant or are you pregnant?
What about my answers?
If you answered yes to any or many of these question you will likely be asked to see a physician before you can go in the water.
Even more physiologic and psychologic concerns
Some other conditions that may cause concerns but are not incompatible with diving. They can be mostly prevented or avoided with some guidelines.
Some more questions
- Do you have seasickness?
- Do you have vertigo?
- Do you have gastric reflux often?
- Claustrophobia or agoraphobia?
Seasickness or motion sickness
If you have seasickness there are a few things you can do to prevent it. One of them is to dive from shore. Another is to take over the counter medications for the relief of motion sickness. Be aware that such medications can have adverse effects with diving. For more information you can read this article from Divers Alert Network.
Vertigo can be a concern for people that experience very strong