The changes in pulmonary functions in occupational divers: smoking, diving experience, occupational group effects

Area of Science:

• Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine
• Occupational Health
• Pulmonary Physiology

Background:

• Diving poses significant physiological challenges to the respiratory system due to pressure changes, breathing gases, and cardiovascular effects.
• Understanding the long-term respiratory impacts of occupational diving is crucial for diver health and safety.
• Factors such as diving experience, smoking, and occupational group may influence pulmonary function in divers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term effects of occupational diving on pulmonary function.
• To analyze how diving experience (years), smoking history, and occupational group (commercial divers, SCUBA instructors) correlate with pulmonary function parameters.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of respiratory system examination results from experienced occupational divers undergoing periodic medical examinations.
• Data collected from January 1, 2013, to February 28, 2019.
• Pulmonary function tests, including FEV1/FVC ratio and FEF25-75%, were analyzed in relation to diving experience, smoking status, and occupation.

Main Results:

• Sixty-four divers without pulmonary symptoms were included; all had normal lung auscultation and chest radiography.
• Divers with 20 or more years of experience showed significantly lower FEV1/FVC ratio (p < 0.001) and FEF25-75% (p < 0.05).
• A significant negative correlation was found between pulmonary function parameters (FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75%) and diving experience (years). Each additional year of diving decreased FEF25-75% by 1.04%.

Conclusions:

• Occupational diving is associated with clinically asymptomatic changes in pulmonary function tests.
• Long-term exposure to diving environments may lead to small airway obstruction.
• Pulmonary function decline appears related to cumulative diving years, independent of smoking or occupational group.