## What Happens if You Choke on Spit While Scuba Diving?
Choking on spit while scuba diving is a rare but potentially dangerous event. When you choke, your airway is blocked, which can lead to a loss of consciousness and even death. In the water, this can be especially dangerous, as you may not be able to get to the surface to breathe.
What Causes Choking on Spit While Scuba Diving?
There are a few different things that can cause you to choke on spit while scuba diving. These include:
Thick saliva: If your saliva is thick or sticky, it can be more likely to block your airway. This can be caused by a number of factors, including dehydration, medications, or certain medical conditions.
Foreign object: A foreign object, such as a piece of food or a bit of seaweed, can also block your airway.
Coughing: Coughing can help to clear your airway, but it can also make it more likely for you to choke if you have thick saliva or a foreign object in your airway.
What Happens if You Choke on Spit While Scuba Diving?
If you choke on spit while scuba diving, you may experience the following symptoms:
Difficulty breathing
Coughing
Gagging
Chest pain
Lightheadedness
Loss of consciousness
How to Treat Choking on Spit While Scuba Diving
If you are choking on spit while scuba diving, it is important to stay calm and try to get to the surface as quickly as possible. Once you are at the surface, you can try to clear your airway by coughing or performing the Heimlich maneuver.
How to Prevent Choking on Spit While Scuba Diving
There are a few things you can do to prevent choking on spit while scuba diving, including:
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and during your dive.
Avoid chewing gum or eating food while scuba diving.
If you have thick saliva, try to clear your airway by coughing or using a nasal decongestant before diving.
If you have a foreign object in your airway, try to remove it by coughing or using a pair of tweezers.
Conclusion
Choking on spit while scuba diving is a rare but potentially dangerous event. If you choke, it is important to stay calm and try to get to the surface as quickly as possible. Once you are at the surface, you can try to clear your airway by coughing or performing the Heimlich maneuver. To prevent choking on spit while scuba diving, stay hydrated, avoid chewing gum or eating food while scuba diving, and clear your airway before diving if you have thick saliva or a foreign object in your airway.