What does the "P" in SPAM stand for?

The term "SPAM" is an acronym used in dive medicine and stands for "Squeeze, Pulmonary Over Inflation Syndromes, Arterial Gas Embolism, and Middle Ear Barotrauma." In this context, the "P" specifically refers to "Pulmonary Over Inflation Syndromes."

This condition is important for divers to understand as it relates to the expansion of gas in the lungs during ascent. If divers ascend too quickly without properly exhaling, the gas trapped in the lungs expands and can cause injury to lung tissue or lead to a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

Understanding pulmonary over inflation syndromes is crucial for safe diving practices and helps divers mitigate the risks associated with gas expansion due to pressure changes. Being familiar with this concept can help divers avoid scenarios that could lead to excessive lung expansion and subsequent injury.