During Scuba Dive Training Experienced The Filling Of Stomach With Air. Concerned

Posted on Sat, 23 Feb 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 Answered on

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband is learning to scuba dive. During the training he experienced the filling of his stomach with air. Is this possible? How can he prevent this occurrence ? Should he be concerned with further scuba diving?

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (2 hours later)

Hi

Thanks for writing to health care magic.

Yes, during scuba dive ascent it is possible to have such feeling. Some air is present in the stomach and intestines. Some divers also swallow air. During ascent, this air expands because of decreasing pressure. This may result in cramps and feeling of filling of stomach with air.

To prevent this one should avoid swallowing of air during diving. If during ascent one feels discomfort, he should stop and belch before further ascent. Further ascent despite increasing discomfort may result in rupture.

He should get adequate knowledge of hazards of diving and take preventive measures before further scuba diving.

Hope this helps.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (12 hours later)

We are aware of the effects if swallowed air i present..Is the occurrence increased if there is issue with the valve at the top of the stomach. He often gets aCID reflux.

Is there nothing he can do eddies belching?

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (2 hours later)

Hi

Thanks for writing to health care magic.

The problem of acid reflux is worse during diving. Because of the increased pressure there is increased reflux of acidic contents of the stomach into the food pipe (esophagus). This may result in heart burn etc. If the gastroesophageal valve is incompetent then the problem may be severe and occasionally results in vomiting.

Avoid eating just before diving. (eat in small quantities after proper chewing)
Some times antacids are prescribed to prevent the problem.

Other than belching...slowing the rate of ascent would be helpful. Preventive measures like decreasing the swallowed air are important

Hope this helps.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Mohammed Kappan