- Overview of Diving Injuries
- Arterial Gas Embolism
- Overview of Barotrauma
- Dental, Mask, and Eye Barotrauma
- Ear and Sinus Barotrauma
- Gastrointestinal Barotrauma
- Pulmonary Barotrauma
- Decompression Sickness
- Gas Toxicity During Diving
- Immersion Pulmonary Edema
- Recompression Therapy
- Diving Precautions and Prevention of Diving Injuries
Small amounts of air swallowed when diving may expand during ascent (gastrointestinal barotrauma), usually causing self-limited symptoms.
(See also Overview of Diving Injuries and Overview of Barotrauma.)
Divers may inadvertently swallow small amounts of air during a dive. This air expands during ascent, causing abdominal fullness, cramps, pain, belching, and flatulence; these symptoms are self-limited. Gastrointestinal (GI) rupture rarely occurs, manifesting with severe abdominal pain and tenderness with rebound and guarding.
If signs of GI rupture are present, immediate upright chest x-ray or CT is done to detect free air. Milder symptoms require no testing.
Patients with GI rupture require aggressive fluid resuscitation, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, and immediate surgical consultation for possible exploratory laparotomy.
More Information
The following English-language resources may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of these resources.
Divers Alert Network: 24-hour emergency hotline, 919-684-9111
Duke Dive Medicine: Physician-to-physician consultation, 919-684-8111
