What is lung overexpansion?

Overexpansion lung injuries usually result from breath-holding during an ascent while on scuba. They can also occur during an ascent when a physiological condition traps air in a section of the lung. The most common cause of a breath-hold injury is a panicked bolt to the surface as a result of running out of air.

How is pulmonary barotrauma treated?

No specific treatment is required for pneumomediastinum; symptoms usually resolve spontaneously within hours to days. After a few hours of observation, most patients can be treated as outpatients; high-flow 100% oxygen is recommended to hasten resorption of extra-alveolar gas in these patients.

How can you prevent overexpansion of the lungs?

Lung Overexpansion Pressure Injuries Because your lungs will be at their normal volume at depth, the air will expand as you ascend. This is why the most important rule in scuba diving is to ‘breathe continuously and never hold your breath, especially when ascending.

When does lung overexpansion occur?

Pulmonary barotrauma is a lung overexpansion injury that typically occurs when a diver fails to exhale properly, or holds their breath during ascent. Compressed gas in the lungs expands as the diver ascends and can cause the lungs to rupture if not exhaled.

How can you reduce the risk of decompression sickness?

You can also reduce your risk of developing decompression sickness by:

slowly approaching the surface.
diving on a good night’s sleep.
drinking plenty of water beforehand.
avoiding air travel shortly after diving.
spacing out your dives, ideally by at least a day.
not spending too much time in high-pressure depths.

What causes decompression sickness?

Decompression sickness: Often called “the bends,” decompression sickness happens when a scuba diver ascends too quickly. Divers breathe compressed air that contains nitrogen. At higher pressure under water, the nitrogen gas goes into the body’s tissues. This doesn’t cause a problem when a diver is down in the water.

How do you fix barotrauma?

descend slowly while diving. swallow, yawn, and chew when you feel symptoms of barotrauma, which can relieve symptoms. exhale through your nose during an ascent in altitude. avoid wearing earplugs while diving or flying.

How do you reduce barotrauma?

Treatment

Chewing gum, sucking on a lozenge, swallowing, or yawning. Using the mouth helps to open up the eustachian tube.
Taking an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal decongestant, antihistamine, or both.
Stopping a diving descent at the first sign of ear discomfort to allow time for equalizing.

What does subcutaneous emphysema indicate?

Subcutaneous emphysema is a condition in which air becomes trapped under the subcutaneous layer of the skin. The main symptoms are edema and crepitus. There are many possible causes, including accidental injuries during surgery, injury during the placement of a breathing tube, and certain infections.

What are some of the common signs of decompression sickness?

Symptoms can include fatigue and pain in muscles and joints. In the more severe type, symptoms may be similar to those of stroke or can include numbness, tingling, arm or leg weakness, unsteadiness, vertigo (spinning), difficulty breathing, and chest pain.

Will decompression sickness go away?

In some cases, symptoms may remain mild or even go away by themselves. Often, however, they strengthen in severity until you must seek medical attention, and they may have longer-term repercussions.

How do you prevent lung overexpansion?

Chest congestion, scar tissue, lung disease, and damage from smoking can create airflow restrictions that trap air and lead to overexpansion injuries. To prevent lung overexpansion injury, always exhale small bubbles when the regulator is out of your mouth. Types of Lung Overexpansion Injuries

What are the symptoms of lung overexpansion injury?

Treating lung overexpansion injury. Symptoms of LO occur immediately and can include difficulty breathing, chest pain, crackling under the skin, unconsciousness or death. First aid must begin immediately while transportation to a medical facility is arranged. 100% O2 should be provided as soon as possible and CPR started if necessary.

What are hyperexpanded lungs and how are they treated?

Hyperexpanded lungs occur when the air sacs of the lungs break down and become enlarged. This affects the lungs’ ability to take in new air, making it difficult to breathe, particularly when you exhale. This amazing kale pesto is only 210 calories and anti-oxidant rich!

What causes overexpansion of the lungs?