Scuba divers who suffer IPO should not dive again – report

Scuba divers who have experienced immersion pulmonary oedema (IPO) should not dive again, according to a joint statement from renowned hyperbaric physicians. IPO is a serious condition where the lungs fill with fluid, which can lead to suffocation and potentially death. Factors that can increase the risk of IPO include older age, being female, and having pre-existing health issues. The statement emphasizes that divers who have had IPO should consult with a diving medicine physician before considering diving again. If divers do choose to dive, they need to be fully aware of the potentially fatal risks involved.