A good dive physical should include a few parts that a professional should examine. General examination procedures include checking cardiovascular fitness, gastrointestinal function, visual acuity, and barotrauma. To further evaluate your diving ability, doctors may recommend additional tests such as xrays. If you have ever had ear infections, it's important that you speak with your dive doctor. Even if you do not have any ear infections in the past, a dive medical will give you all the information that you need.
The importance of cardiovascular fitness
It is essential to assess your cardiovascular health before diving as a hobby and/or career. Although this might seem easy, it's not. If you are unable to walk a block, don't sign up for a diving class. You should be exercising for 20 minutes at least four to five days a week. You might need to walk for as little as a quarter of a mile.
Examining the function of the stomach
It is important to examine the gastrointestinal function of divers during a scuba diving physical. Ischemic colitis can happen during a dive expedition. While divers might experience abdominal discomfort and belching, little information is available about the severity of gastrointestinal complications. There have been rare cases of gastrointestinal problems, such as gastric rupture caused by intra-gastric air expansion or massive pneumoperitoneum. This is due to lung barotrauma. However, scuba diving has not been shown to cause mesenteric blood clotsis, acute Ischemia colitis, or hemorhagic Colitis.
Examining visual acuity
Diver physicals are used to verify that divers can perform the skills required and to evaluate a diver's eyesight. A visual acuity questionnaire will be completed by the professional to determine if a diver is able to see clearly. While the objective is to assess a diver's distance and near vision, the test also measures a person's visual acuity.
You should check for barotrauma
If you plan to scuba dive, it is important that you take extra precautions in order to avoid barotrauma. The word barotrauma is derived from the Greek words baros, meaning pressure, and trauma, which means injury. Dive pressure can cause damage or rupture to the eardrums. It can also be caused by diving with a cold. You may also experience nausea or vomiting.
Checking for Asthma
You should see your physician if you suspect that you have asthma before you dive. Your asthma symptoms can become more severe or less severe over time. They can also be triggered by diving. Your doctor can prescribe oral steroids to treat your asthma. It is a good idea to have an emergency supply of inhalers at all times. Your doctor can also conduct an exercise test to assess asthma symptoms and do a lung function check to determine severity.