During our first visit to the Sharm Hyperbaric Chamber, we sat down with Dr. Adel to discuss a range of freediving-related questions. Below are his responses. Since then, we\u2019ve already returned for a second visit and are planning a third to address the remaining open points.<\/p>\n
Aruna and I are also considering taking the SHC Tender Course to deepen our understanding of hyperbaric treatments and to be able to assist Dr. Adel and Dr. Ahmed in emergencies. In addition, we\u2019re looking into doing an Oxygen Decompression course\u2014either through IANTD or directly with Dr. Adel (his non-certification version goes much deeper into the material).<\/p>\n
Dr. Adel:<\/strong> No, not an option.<\/em> He has developed deco tables (9 m for 1 hour, or 90 minutes if symptoms persist; followed by 6 m for 1 hour; then surface O\u2082 for 3 hours). In case of convulsions, do not<\/strong> resurface\u2014the lack of breathing during convulsions creates a high risk of lung over-expansion. While Dr. Adel has prepared detailed lectures and tables, he stresses that wet recompression is extremely difficult and requires a large, highly trained team.<\/p>\n How long do microbubbles remain in the body after deep freedives? If a freediver had DCS a year ago without chamber treatment but shows no symptoms now, can we assume the microbubbles are gone?<\/p>\n Dr. Adel:<\/strong> Microbubbles dissipate within 14\u201318 hours. However, even if the bubbles are gone, inflammation may remain, which increases the risk of DCS recurrence. He also questions why no treatment was done\u2014sometimes underlying health issues may prevent chamber therapy.<\/p>\n What is the safe timeframe or criteria to resume training after a DCS incident, especially in regions where medical expertise in diving medicine is scarce?<\/p>\n Dr. Adel:<\/strong> Only a doctor can give clearance. In Japan, divers should consult DAN Japan for expert advice.<\/p>\n Does breathing oxygen on the boat help prevent DCS? How effective is the practice of \u201c5 minutes at 5 m on O\u2082\u201d? For athletes diving repeatedly to ~100 m, is it reasonable to use alternative decompression protocols?<\/p>\n Dr. Adel:<\/strong> He has developed specific tables (e.g., minutes at 9 m followed by minutes at 6 m). After completing his courses, I\u2019ll be able to share more precise guidance on this.<\/p>\n Does age increase DCS risk? What about high blood pressure or reduced alveolar flexibility?<\/p>\n Dr. Adel:<\/strong> Yes, risk increases with age\u2014mainly due to reduced hydration response (older divers feel less urge to drink, yet need more fluids). Hypertension is a significant risk, especially above 145, depending on its cause. Lung flexibility normally decreases very slightly with age, but COVID can cause significant reductions. Pulmonary function tests can detect this.<\/p>\n DCS symptoms may appear 15 minutes to several hours after a dive, making detection difficult unless the athlete self-reports. Chambers are not always nearby.<\/p>\n
\n2. Persistence of microbubbles<\/h4>\n
\n3. Returning to training after DCS<\/h4>\n
\n4. Oxygen Decompression at shallow depths<\/h4>\n
\n5. Does DCS Risk increase with age?<\/h4>\n
\n6. DCS Management during competitions<\/h4>\n