[Lungs et diving]

Whilst underwater, the body is submitted to significant variations of the surrounding pressure according to the depth. These conditions modify the hemodynamic and the ventilatory mechanics considerably. Some repercussions, like pulmonary barotrauma, are related to simple physical phenomena. Others, like decompression sickness, are due to more com- plex processes. Breath-hold diving disrupts haematosis and can be complicated by alveolar haemorrhage and loss of consciousness. Acute pulmonary oedema during scuba-diving, breath-hold diving and swimming has been reported more recently. In case of pulmonary disorders scuba-diving is contraindicated most of the time. It is therefore highly recommended to seek medical advice to prevent problems.