In hyperbaric medicine, what does the term "diving reflex" refer to?

The term "diving reflex" refers to the combination of physiological changes that occur in response to immersion in water, especially cold water. This reflex is an evolutionary adaptation seen in mammals, including humans, that helps conserve oxygen during submersion. When the face is submerged in water, several physiological responses are triggered, such as reduced heart rate (bradycardia), peripheral vasoconstriction, and a shift in blood flow to vital organs like the heart and brain.

These changes allow the body to utilize oxygen more efficiently and prolong survival in situations where air supply is limited. The diving reflex underscores the body's remarkable ability to respond to environmental stressors, and it has important implications in hyperbaric medicine, particularly when managing patients who may have experienced underwater environments. This understanding can influence treatment protocols for conditions like decompression sickness and other diving-related issues.