"Lichamelijke activiteit: een belangrijke gezondheidsuitdaging"
Wetenschappelijk congres in Costa Rica

Introduction to Scuba Diving and Overview: Scuba diving involves the use of a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. This presentation covers the diving environment, physics, physiology, pathology, and safety considerations.

Diving Environment: The diving environment consists of the physical conditions and factors that affect divers underwater, illustrated by various aquatic situations.

Physics of Diving: The main physical laws relevant to diving include Pascal's law, Archimedes' principle, Boyle's law, Charles' law, Dalton's law, and Henry's law. These explain pressure, buoyancy, and the behavior of gases underwater.

Physiology of Diving: The physiological aspects of diving address how the human body reacts to underwater conditions, supported by various illustrations.

Pathology of Diving: Diving-related pathologies include mechanical accidents (barotrauma), biochemical/toxic accidents such as oxygen toxicity (hyperoxia), carbon dioxide retention (hypercapnia), nitrogen narcosis, carbon monoxide poisoning, and biophysical accidents like decompression sickness, as well as immersion pulmonary edema and other risks such as near-drowning, cold exposure, and marine life hazards.

Prevention and Safety Considerations: Prevention involves organizing dives, planning, medical examinations, identifying contraindications (such as asthma and epilepsy), and training. Medical examinations may include physical exams, ECGs, imaging, pulmonary function tests, tympanometry, and others, with varying frequency depending on age.

Effects of alcohol on diving safety and physiology: Alcohol impairs cognitive and physical functions, enhances nitrogen narcosis, increases dehydration and diuresis, and raises the risk of decompression illness (DCI), hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and cardiovascular strain during diving. It also damages the lungs and peripheral nerves, which further increases accident risk. Zero tolerance is recommended, as well as proper hydration and avoidance of alcohol prior to diving.

Effects of tobacco on diving and respiratory health: Tobacco smoke causes chronic bronchitis, destroys pulmonary cilia, leads to emphysema and lung bullae, increases the risk of pulmonary barotrauma, restricts airflow, and reduces oxygen transport due to carbon monoxide binding to hemoglobin. Smoking before diving reduces tissue oxygenation and increases cardiovascular risks. It is recommended to abstain from smoking for at least 12 hours before diving and seek support to quit smoking.

Effects of cannabis on diving and pulmonary health: Cannabis impairs brain function, increases heart rate and blood pressure, causes respiratory problems similar to tobacco, and may lead to lethargy and reduced cold tolerance in divers. Heavy cannabis use is linked to emphysema and bullous lung disease, possibly due to breath-hold techniques causing barotrauma. The psychoactive effects last for 2 to 4 hours; divers should wait at least 8 hours after use before diving. Rehabilitation is advised to support cessation.

Conclusion and diving safety: The most important piece of diving equipment is the diver’s own body. Physical fitness and health are essential for safe diving.

You are invited to ask questions and join a scientific discussion about diving safety.