Chapter 2The Pre-Travel ConsultationCounseling & Advice for
Travelers An estimated 3 million people participate in
recreational diving in the United States, and many travel to
tropical areas of the world to dive. Traveling divers can face a
variety of medical challenges, but because dive injuries are
generally rare, few clinicians are trained in their diagnosis
and treatment. Therefore, the recreational diver must be able to
recognize the signs of injury and find qualified dive medicine
help when needed. PREPARING FOR DIVE TRAVEL Planning for dive-
related travel should take into account any recent changes in
health, including injuries or surgery, and medication use.
Respiratory disorders (such as asthma), disorders that affect
higher function and consciousness (such as diabetes or
seizures), psychological problems (such as anxiety),
cardiovascular disease, and pregnancy raise special concerns
about diving fitness. Ear and sinus Ear barotrauma is the most
common injury in divers. On descent, failure to equaliz