I just heard from someone who used to be a dive master and is now in medical school (not here, he's in the States).
He has told me that there is a correlation between using a snorkel and CO2. What he said was because when a swimmer or snorkeler breathes in and out and because of the width and length of the snorkel tube, that CO2 remains in the bottom of the snorkel so when the swimmer/snorkeler takes each breath, he is inhaling the remains of CO2. This is not a good thing.
Is this why, maybe, that when using a snorkel it appears a swimmer/snorkeler can't get a good breath? I also know that because of the small tubing size, it is hard to really hard to inhale a lot of air, or at least that has been my problem. But CO2?
Is this why when using a snorkel for swimming or snorkeling, breathing can be difficult for some? I know Warren said he uses one, I'd be interested to hear if he has found any problems with using it.
Anyone else?
Donna
Billy -
Great article! I first learned about this topic when I was treated for chlorine gas inhalation in my teens (really nasty lifeguarding experience!). The doc's in the ER had a dickens of a time getting my lungs cleared because every inhalation/ehalation hurt like heck, but they really pushed me to "exchange" as much as possible once they got me on the oxygen bottle. Similar to the exercise they use to help prevent pneumonia when you're on an extended hospital bed stay.
Thanks for the link!
Billy -
Great article! I first learned about this topic when I was treated for chlorine gas inhalation in my teens (really nasty lifeguarding experience!). The doc's in the ER had a dickens of a time getting my lungs cleared because every inhalation/ehalation hurt like heck, but they really pushed me to "exchange" as much as possible once they got me on the oxygen bottle. Similar to the exercise they use to help prevent pneumonia when you're on an extended hospital bed stay.
Thanks for the link!
