Question

What is an air embolism?

Accepted Answer

This is a condition involving bubbles of air in the blood vessels. They can occur on a dive as shallow as 6'. The problem starts when the diver holds his or her breath during a rapid ascent. The air pressure in the lungs remains at a high level while the external pressure on the chest decreases. As a result, the air inside the lungs expand rapidly, causing the alveoli in the lungs to rupture.

Front	What is an air embolism?
Back	This is a condition involving bubbles of air in the blood vessels. They can occur on a dive as shallow as 6'. The problem starts when the diver holds his or her breath during a rapid ascent. The air pressure in the lungs remains at a high level while the external pressure on the chest decreases. As a result, the air inside the lungs expand rapidly, causing the alveoli in the lungs to rupture.

Air Lungs Pressure Embolism Condition Involving Bubbles Blood