Medical FAQs
Here's a list compiled over the years of commonly asked questions. The list was created by DAN MDs and represent specific, evidence-based recommendations our member should take into consideration.
I’m 45 years old and a diver since 2012. I would like to know if I can dive with inflammatory bowel disease.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can result from ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. The major symptoms are diarrhea, which can be bloody; abdominal pain; nausea; and vomiting, often with fever and weight loss.
Commonly, IBD usually occurs to divers aged 20 to 40 years and who experience the following:
- Intermittent disease with long periods of normal bowel functioning; and
- Complications including anemia, electrolyte disturbances, dehydration, poor absorption of fluids, liver disease and generalized fatigue.
Drug treatment often involves corticosteroids, which can impair one’s ability to fight infections.
Fitness and diving
Someone with symptomatic IBD should not dive until treatment has caused remission and they do not need medication. A person experiencing no significant complication of IBD or its treatment and has adequate cardiovascular fitness could consider diving.
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