## What Happens if You Throw Up While Scuba Diving?
Throwing up while scuba diving is a rare but potentially dangerous occurrence. It can lead to aspiration, which is when vomit enters the lungs. This can cause a number of serious health problems, including pneumonia and lung damage.
Symptoms of aspiration
The symptoms of aspiration can include:
Coughing
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Wheezing
Fever
Chills
Confusion
Treatment for aspiration
If you experience any of the symptoms of aspiration, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment for aspiration may include:
Oxygen therapy
Antibiotics
Chest physiotherapy
Surgery
Preventing aspiration
There are a few things you can do to prevent aspiration while scuba diving, including:
Avoid eating a heavy meal before diving. A full stomach can put pressure on your diaphragm, which can make it more likely that you will vomit.
Drink plenty of fluids before and during your dive. Dehydration can increase your risk of vomiting.
Take antacids or motion sickness medication before diving. This can help to reduce the likelihood of vomiting.
If you start to feel nauseous while diving, ascend slowly to the surface. This will help to reduce the pressure on your diaphragm and make it less likely that you will vomit.
If you do vomit while diving, try to keep your head above water and clear your airway. Do not swallow the vomit.
Conclusion
Throwing up while scuba diving is a rare but potentially dangerous occurrence. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of aspiration and to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. By following the tips above, you can help to prevent aspiration and ensure a safe and enjoyable dive.
Additional information
In addition to the information above, here are some additional tips to help prevent aspiration while scuba diving:
Choose a dive buddy who is aware of the risks of aspiration. Your dive buddy can help to monitor you for signs of nausea and can assist you if you do vomit.
Carry a whistle or air horn with you while diving. This can be used to signal for help if you are unable to clear your airway.
Be familiar with the emergency procedures for your dive site. This includes knowing how to contact emergency medical services and how to perform CPR.