Underwater and Hyperbaric Medicine focuses on the effects of pressure on the body, diving physiology and the clinical use of hyperbaric oxygen. This page provides general information about diving-related risks, when hyperbaric therapy is considered, and which specialists can help. For diagnosis or personalized medical advice, contact appropriate health services.
Underwater and Hyperbaric Medicine evaluates how dive exposure and pressure changes affect health. The specialty includes medical fitness for recreational and occupational divers, prevention and management of pressure-related injuries, diving safety protocols, and coordination with dive operators and employers. It also overlaps with emergency care for acute diving incidents and longer-term follow-up of affected divers.
Common problems related to diving include decompression sickness (DCS), barotrauma affecting ears, sinuses or lungs, arterial gas embolism, nitrogen narcosis and hypothermia. Risk reduction relies on proper training, conservative dive planning, controlled ascents, adherence to limits and routine medical screening. Pre-existing ear, lung, sinus or cardiovascular issues can affect diving fitness. Seek urgent care if severe breathlessness, sudden neurological changes, fainting or seizures occur.
HBOT delivers high-concentration oxygen under increased ambient pressure in a controlled setting. Indications include certain dive-related conditions such as decompression sickness and gas embolism, selected poisonings and some wound-healing problems. HBOT requires a formal assessment at an accredited center; clinicians will check middle-ear and lung status, review contraindications, and monitor for potential risks like ear pressure injury, claustrophobia or oxygen toxicity.
For life-threatening or rapidly worsening signs — severe shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, sudden neurological deficits or seizures — call emergency services immediately. For post-dive symptoms such as joint pain, numbness, skin changes or unexplained fatigue, contact an Underwater and Hyperbaric Medicine clinic or an emergency department. ENT (ear-nose-throat) specialists evaluate ear and sinus issues; pulmonologists for respiratory problems; cardiologists for suspected heart-related concerns; and occupational or diving physicians for fitness and clearance to dive.
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