Salt Water Aspiration Syndrome

Salt water aspiration syndrome is a rare diving disorder suffered by scuba divers who inhale a mist of seawater from a faulty demand valve causing irritation of the lungs. It is not the same thing as aspiration of salt water as a bulk liquid, i.e. drowning. It can be treated by rest for several hours. If severe, medical assessment is required.

Symptoms

Symptoms of salt water aspiration syndrome include:

• Post-dive cough, with or without sputum, usually suppressed during the dive.
  • In serious cases the sputum may be bloodstained, frothy and copious.
• Over time further symptoms may develop, including:
  • rigors, tremors or shivering;
  • nausea or vomiting;
  • hot or cold sensations;
  • dyspnoea; cough; sputum; shortness of breath;
  • headaches; malaise; and generalised aches.
  • Cyanosis
  • Mild fever

Diagnosis

Treatment

See also

• Pulmonary aspiration