Air Embolism Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is an exciting activity that has grown in popularity worldwide. It offers a unique experience to learn more about nature, become more aware of our surroundings, and, most importantly, have a fantastic time doing it. But there is one thing that could ruin your dive: air embolism.

An air embolism is a serious condition when air enters your blood vessels. A diagnosis can be difficult, and the disease is usually fatal if you fail to seek treatment as soon as possible. Keep on reading if you want to learn more about air embolism scuba diving.

Types Of Air Embolism

There are two main types of air embolism: venous and arterial. Venous air embolism happens when air enters the venous system and goes to the heart and lungs.

Arterial air embolism results when air passes through the arterial system and blocks blood flow to vital organs. Both types of air embolism can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Air Embolism Scuba Diving

Air embolism, also called gas embolism, is a severe condition that can occur during scuba diving. Divers inhale compressed gas below the surface, which expands under the pressure of the surrounding water and forms bubbles in their bloodstream.

These bubbles can travel to the heart, lungs, and brain, causing damage and potentially leading to serious injury or death. Two main types of air embolism can occur during scuba diving:

Arterial Air Embolism

Arterial air embolism occurs when bubbles enter the arterial system and block blood flow to vital organs such as the lungs, brain, and heart. This type of air embolism can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Venous Air Embolism

Venous air embolism occurs when bubbles enter the venous system and travel to the heart and lungs. This type of air embolism is less severe than arterial but can still cause serious injury or death if not treated promptly.

Causes Of Air Embolism While Scuba Diving

A rapid ascent to the surface is a common cause of air embolism during scuba diving. When a diver ascends too quickly, the pressure of the surrounding water decreases rapidly, causing the compressed gas in the diver’s lungs to expand and form bubbles.

These bubbles can then enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart, lungs, and brain, causing damage. Lung over-expansion injury is another cause of air embolism during scuba diving. It occurs when a diver inhales too much gas at a depth, causing the lungs to expand and rupture.

To avoid air embolism during a rapid ascent, divers should use a safety stop at a depth of around 5 meters for a minimum of 3 minutes before ascending to the surface. Symptoms of air embolism during scuba diving can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, dizziness, and unconsciousness.

It can cause bubbles to enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart, lungs, and brain, causing damage. To prevent lung over-expansion injury, divers should never hold their breath while ascending and always exhale continuously during ascent.

If a diver experiences any of these symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately. Treatment for air embolism typically involves administering oxygen to the diver and providing supportive care to the affected organs. In severe cases, surgery becomes obvious to remove the bubbles from the bloodstream.

To prevent air embolism, divers should use a safety stop at a depth of around 5 meters for a minimum of 3 minutes before ascending to the surface. Never hold their breath while ascending, and always exhale continuously during ascent. If a diver experiences symptoms of air embolism, they should seek medical attention and care.

How Much Time Does It Take For Air Embolism To Kill You?

The time needed for an air embolism to kill a person depends on several factors, which include the size and location of the embolism, the overall health of the individual, and the promptness of medical treatment.

In some cases, an air embolism can cause death within minutes if it is blocking a major artery in the brain or heart. The sudden blockage of blood flow to these vital organs can cause irreparable damage, leading to unconsciousness and death.

However, if the embolism is small, it might take longer for symptoms to appear, and death could occur within hours or days. Remember that prompt medical treatment can significantly increase the chances of survival in cases of air embolism.

Until a treatment for the embolism is available, oxygen therapy may be able to minimize damage. Removing bubbles from the bloodstream may require surgical intervention in severe cases.

Remember that an air embolism is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Divers should be aware of the signs of air embolism and seek medical attention immediately if they suspect they have an embolism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Much Air Does It Take To Cause Air Embolism?

The amount of air required to cause an air embolism can vary depending on several factors, such as the depth at which the air is inhaled, the rate of ascent, and the size of the lungs.

Generally speaking, the deeper a diver is when they inhale air, the more pressure there is on their lungs. Therefore, the same air volume will expand at greater depths, increasing the risk of air embolism.

Not all air embolisms are caused by inhaling large volumes of air. In some cases, a minimal amount of air can cause an embolism if it enters the bloodstream in a location where it can cause a blockage.

An air volume of about 30 ml (about one fluid ounce) is considered the threshold limit for an embolism to occur in healthy divers, but the embolism can occur with less than this amount.

Remember that the amount of air required to cause an embolism can vary depending on the individual and the specific circumstances. Air embolism is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Does Air Embolism Go Away By Itself?

No, air embolism is a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention and treatment. It does not go by itself. The bubbles that form during air embolism can block blood flow to vital organs, potentially causing damage or death.

If a person is experiencing symptoms of air embolism, they should seek medical attention immediately. Treatment typically involves administering oxygen to the person and providing supportive care to the affected organs.

In extreme cases, surgery becomes mandatory to remove the bubbles. Even if the bubbles are removed, the damage they have caused may be irreversible. Therefore, prompt medical treatment is crucial to improve the chances of survival.

Is Air Embolism An Emergency?

Yes, an air embolism is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It occurs when a person inhales compressed gas at a depth greater than the surface, and the pressure of the water causes the gas to expand and form bubbles in the bloodstream.

These bubbles can travel to the heart, lungs, and brain, causing damage and potentially leading to serious injury or death. Symptoms of an air embolism can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, dizziness, and unconsciousness.

These symptoms can occur immediately after the embolism or may be delayed. If a person experiences any of these symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately.

Also, read How To Defog Snorkel Mask?

Final Words

Scuba diving is a great activity that anyone can enjoy. While this sport has increased in popularity and safety measures are constantly improved, it is still dangerous, and it is essential to know the dangers you may face when scuba diving. An air embolism is one of them, and learning to avoid it could save your life.