Small amounts of air swallowed while diving may expand during ascent (gastrointestinal barotrauma), usually causing self-limited symptoms.
Divers may inadvertently swallow small amounts of air during a dive. This air expands during ascent, causing abdominal fullness, cramps, pain, belching, and flatulence; these symptoms are self-limited. Gastrointestinal (GI) rupture is rare, manifesting with severe abdominal pain and tenderness with rebound and guarding (1).
If signs of GI rupture are present, immediate upright chest radiograph or CT is performed to detect free air. Milder symptoms require no testing.
Patients with GI rupture require aggressive fluid resuscitation, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, and immediate surgical consultation for possible exploratory laparotomy.
More Information
The following English-language resources may be useful. Please note that The Manual is not responsible for the content of these resources.
Divers Alert Network: 24-hour emergency hotline, 919-684-9111
Duke Dive Medicine: Physician-to-physician consultation, 919-684-8111
Reference
1. Molenat FA, Boussuges AH. Rupture of the stomach complicating diving accidents. Undersea Hyperb Med. 1995;22(1):87-96.
