Scuba divers' pulmonary oedema. A review

The literature on scuba divers' pulmonary oedema (SDPE) is reviewed, especially in its relationship to other immersioninduced pulmonary oedemas. It is concluded that although the three forms induced by swimming, freediving and scuba diving have some features in common, there are significant differences in their demographics, causation and clinical management. The swimming-induced cases tend to be young and fit, but exposed to excessive exertion. The freedivers experience extreme breath-holding and barotraumatic influences. The scuba divers are an older group and may have preexisting or occult cardiovascular disease. Although the first-aid treatments may be similar, subsequent investigations and preventative measures will differ considerably.