by Cicely Richard

Created on: August 08, 2011

You don't need special skills or be a competitive athlete to learn how to scuba dive. In general, scuba diving is less dangerous than land-based sports like mountain climbing. The American Family Physician website says that millions of people in the United States dive each years; however, one 90 deaths are reported each year and less than 1,000 divers have to be treated for diver-related health problems. People with health conditions affecting the lungs, brain, spinal cord and blood vessels may think twice about scuba diving without a doctors permission.

Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax occur because of a chest injury caused by a knife or gunshot wound, lung damage from a car crash, broken ribs, medical procedures like chest tubes and lung biopsies and airbag injuries, according to MayoClinic.com. Air blisters received from previous scuba diving excursions and mountain climbing cause pneumothorax. Damaged lung tissue from health conditions like emphysema, tuberculosis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis and sarcoidosis makes it risky for a person to go scuba diving. Complications associated with pneumothorax include cardiac arrest, respiratory failure and shock.

Hematological (Blood) Conditions

Hematological conditions, such as sickle cell disease, polycythemia vera, leukemia and hemophilia, increase a person's risk of American Hearing Research Foundation says barotrauma is an injury that hampers the body's ability to equalize air pressure. It affects the ears, face and lungs. People with blood conditions may spontaneously bleed in the joints.

Gastrointestinal Diseases and Disorders

Gastrointestinal diseases like peptic ulcers, damaged hernias, inflammatory bowel disease and diverticulitis may impair a diver's ability to perform under water. People who've had intestinal and stomach surgery also causes problems for some divers. According to the Divers Alert Network, these conditions increases a divers chance of getting gas trapped and expanding, causing internal ruptures. They also lead to underwater vomiting, which may cause divers to panic and drown.

Cardiovascular Problems

People with a history of cardiovascular problems, including congestive heart failure, hypertension, valvular regurgitation, coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction, should talk to their doctors before considering scuba diving. Surgical procedures, like installing a pacemaker and bypass, pose scuba diving risks. Because diving affects the heart and blood vessels, people with heart problems may

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