Scuba diving injuries.

Scuba diving has become increasingly popular, and family physicians may encounter patients who have been injured in a dive. Manifestations of diving injuries may not occur until 12 hours or more after a dive. Initial treatment, based on knowledge of the pathophysiology of decompression sickness, lung expansion injuries and ear barotrauma, may prevent severe and permanent sequelae. Decompression sickness and air embolism are medical emergencies.