Occurrence and resolution of freediving-induced pulmonary syndrome in breath-hold divers: an online survey of lung squeeze incidents.

Abstract

Introduction: Breath-hold divers occasionally surface with signs of fluid accumulation and/or bleeding in air-filled spaces. This constellation of symptoms, recently termed 'freediving induced pulmonary syndrome', is thought to come from immersion pulmonary oedema and/or barotrauma of descent and is colloquially termed a 'squeeze'. There is limited understanding of the causes, diagnosis, management, and return to diving recommendations after a squeeze.

Methods: We developed an online survey that queried breath-hold divers on the circumstances and management of individual squeeze events.

Results: A total of 132 (94 M, 38 F) breath-hold divers filled out the survey. Most were recreational or competitive freedivers with mean age of 37 years old and nine years of experience. Of those, 129 (98%) held a certification in freediving from an accredited training agency. A total of 103 individuals reported 140 squeeze events from 2008-2023. The average depth at which a squeeze occurred was 43 m. The top contributors to lung squeezes were described as movement at depth, contractions, and inadequate warm-up. The most common symptoms of a squeeze were cough, sputum production, and fatigue. Divers were instructed to wait an average of two months before returning to diving after a squeeze. On average, divers were able to achieve the same depth of their squeeze event three months after the incident.

Conclusions: Inadequate warm-up, contractions, and abnormal movement at depth are the most reported causes for a squeeze. Most divers do not seek medical treatment after a lung squeeze event and can return to the same depth within three months.