With in-depth information about common medical concerns and their significance to divers, Diseases & Conditions entries cover anatomy, epidemiology, symptoms, prevention, first aid and more. Implications for diving are included for the diver, dive operator and physician.
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Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) occurs when the mitral valve doesn’t close properly. Individuals with MVP should consult healthcare professionals and assess risks before diving, as increased pressure can place additional strain on the heart.
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a procedure performed to enhance blood flow to the heart muscle. After this procedure, medical considerations may affect a diver’s ability to safely resume diving activities.
While recovery from abdominal surgery is essential for overall health, divers must take specific precautions before returning to diving activities.
While believed to be the solution for any dive injury, hyperbaric chambers are not readily available for public use, and DAN does not disclose their locations. Learn why.
In-water recompression is a controversial technique used to help treat symptoms of decompression sickness. Learn more about in-water recompression and why DAN is against its practice.
Healthy ears are essential in diving. Learn the basic anatomy and function implications in diving.
The urge to urinate is common in diving, even among divers who don’t usually need to urinate frequently. The explanation is rooted in dive physiology. The phenomenon is known as […]
More than 25 million Americans — including some divers — have asthma. If the disease is well managed and the individual has good lung function and exercise tolerance, a doctor trained in dive medicine may approve of diving.
A DAN study on diabetes and diving monitored plasma glucose levels in divers with and without diabetes. The findings of this study offer insights into the effects of diving on blood glucose and considerations for divers with diabetes.
Decompression illness (DCI) encompasses two conditions: decompression sickness (DCS) and arterial gas embolism (AGE). Symptoms of DCI include numbness and tingling, pain in the joints or muscles, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath and more.
Flying after diving can increase the risk of decompression sickness (DCS) because of the relative decrease in ambient pressure with altitude. Here’s how to lower your likelihood of DCS and ensure your safety during your next flight.