What Researchers Did
Researchers compared how SCUBA diving affected lung function and airway sensitivity in people with allergies and healthy individuals.
What They Found
Twenty minutes after a hyperbaric chamber test or SCUBA dive, atopic subjects showed a significant reduction in their MCh PD20-FEV1 (from 1712 microg to 1202 microg and 1204 microg respectively), indicating increased airway sensitivity. Healthy subjects did not experience significant changes in airway sensitivity (baseline 2977 microg). Airway sensitivity in atopic subjects returned close to baseline levels 24 hours after the tests.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with allergies who participate in SCUBA diving may experience a temporary increase in airway sensitivity shortly after a dive. This suggests that atopic individuals should be aware of potential temporary breathing changes after diving activities.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
The study was conducted with a relatively small number of participants, which may limit the generalizability of its findings.