injuries and poisoning
Immersion Pulmonary Edema
Introduction
Immersion pulmonary edema is sudden development of fluid in the lungs that typically occurs early during a dive and at depth. (See also Overview of Diving Injuries .) Immersion pulmonary edema has become more widely recognized over the past two decades. It happens when blood from the legs and abdomen is redistributed to the lungs, which increases pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs, causing leakage of plasma into the air spaces. This usually occurs in competitive open-water swimmers at the surface but can also occur in divers. Immersion pulmonary edema is not related to Pulmonary (lung) barotrauma or Divers usually ascend rapidly and become very short of breath. A cough with frothy or bloody sputum is typical and blood oxygen levels are low. Doctors may do tests such as chest x-rays and echocardiography to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment includes removal from the water and oxygen. Diuretics and Mechanical Ventilation in the hospital are sometimes necessary. Recompression therapy is not given. 