부산대학교 도서관

Physiological changes during diving and the health status of divers can impact the safety of scuba diving. This article provides a literature review summarizing the physiological changes associated with diving and potential health risks. It also discusses the impact of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and asthma, including their pharmacotherapy, on diving safety. Divers with hypertension should aim to maintain their blood pressure within the recommended range. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are preferred choices, but divers taking ACEIs should be aware of the possibility of dry cough affecting their breathing underwater. Divers using calcium channel blockers should be cautious of orthostatic hypotension. Diuretics and beta-blockers are not recommended for divers. Divers with diabetes should maintain stable blood glucose level and be mindful of the potential occurrence of hypoglycemia associated with hypoglycemic agents. Unstable asthma is considered a contraindication for diving due to the risk of pulmonary barotrauma and arterial gas embolism. Asthmatic divers should undergo spirometry measurements to assess the suitability for diving, and the use of peak expiratory flow measurements is recommended to ensure optimal conditions for diving. Divers with well-controlled asthma using inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta-2-agonists, or leukotriene receptor antagonists are not contraindicated for diving.