Breath-hold Diving and Its Potential Health Risks
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Abstract
Breath-hold diving is the oldest form of diving, practiced commercially, competitively and recreationally. Recently, there has been a surge in its popularity in a wide range of the population, but the potential health risks are somewhat overlooked.
This article provides an overview of the physiological changes that occur during breath-hold diving, and how these changes can affect a diver’s well-being. Multiple organs are affected by the changes in pressures causing injury to a diver such as barotraumas, and in rare cases, “Taravara Syndrome”. Breath-hold divers are also exposed to the elements of nature which can be dangerous to the diver, capable of injuries and fatalities. These include strong and unpredictable currents, dangerous rocky terrains, and marine animals.
The objective of this article is to raise awareness among breath-hold divers, especially those who are new and inexperienced. As breath-hold diving is becoming more and more popular, knowledge of hazards and physiological change can be beneficial and key to the prevention of potential injuries and fatalities.
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