Scuba diving is an incredible sport, but it places unique demands on the body that can turn a minor medical issue into something far more serious. For divers with a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), the risk isn’t just about cuts and scrapes – it extends to barotrauma and decompression injuries where normal clotting plays a vital role. While diving with low platelets may be possible in some cases, it requires careful medical evaluation, awareness of the risks, and a cautious approach to ensure safety underwater.
Q: I have been diagnosed with low platelets. Is it okay to dive?
A: Before you dive, you and your doctor should consider some possible effects of having a low platelet count. In some cases, it may affect the body’s ability to clot properly in response to injury.
Cuts and bruises are common injuries in almost any recreational outdoor activity, so you should take extra care to avoid cuts and scrapes.
Middle-ear and sinus barotraumas are the most common dive injuries. They are typically self-limited, because normal coagulation stops the internal bleeding, giving divers time to seek professional medical treatment.
When a diver has issues with clotting, pressure on the wound will control bleeding. Since pressure is not possible with internal bleeding, however, ordinary ear, nose, and throat barotraumas can become medical emergencies.
Decompression injuries add another dimension to bleeding risk, as bubble formation and growth cause microscopic tissue damage through mechanical tissue disruption and normal inflammatory processes.
Coagulation can control these microbleeds, and recompression therapy can revert bubble growth, wash out inert gas, and minimise inflammation.
When a diver has clotting issues, however, the microbleeding caused by bubbles can reduce the effectiveness of recompression therapy. This problem can be critical in severe cases, such as spinal cord involvement or an arterial gas embolism.
For an extensive range of diving health and safety information and downloadable resources, research studies, incident summaries, and free e-Learning courses, take the time to explore the DAN website.
FAQ: Diving with Low Platelets
Q: Can you scuba dive with low platelets?
A: It depends on severity and your doctor’s advice. A low platelet count can affect clotting, making even minor dive-related injuries potentially more serious.
Q: What risks do low platelets pose for divers?
A: Risks include prolonged bleeding from cuts, complications from middle-ear or sinus barotrauma, and reduced ability to heal from decompression-related microbleeds.
Q: Why is barotrauma a concern for divers with low platelets?
A: Normally, small internal bleeds from ear or sinus barotrauma are self-limiting. With clotting issues, bleeding may not stop easily, turning minor injuries into emergencies.
Q: How do low platelets affect decompression injuries?
A: Decompression bubbles can cause tissue microbleeds. With impaired clotting, these can worsen and reduce the effectiveness of recompression therapy, especially in severe cases.
Q: Should I consult a doctor before diving with low platelets?
A: Yes. Always seek clearance from a physician familiar with dive medicine before diving, and discuss your specific risks and safe practices.
This article was originally published in Scuba Diver Magazine
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