Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/11054/225
Title: The Valsalva manoeuvre: a critical review.
Authors: Taylor, David
Issue Date: 1996
Publisher: SPUMS
Place of publication: Melbourne Australia
Publication Title: South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society Journal (SPUMS)
Volume: 26
Issue: 1
Start Page: 8
End Page: 13
Abstract: The Valsalva manoeuvre is commonly used in diving to equalize middle ear pressures during descent. A forceful expiration with the nostrils and mouth held shut results in an increased nasopharyngeal pressure and opening of the Eustachian tubes. The correctly performed manoeuvre is easily taught, effective and usually without complications. When performed incorrectly, prolonged periods of raised intrathoracic pressure may lead to decreased venous return, decreased arterial pressure and increased pressures within the superior and inferior vena cavae. An intact autonomic nervous system will initiate compensatory cardiovascular reflexes. The manoeuvre has clinical and research uses which rely on induced physiological changes and the initiation of reflex responses. The physiology and clinical uses of the manoeuvre are discussed. The inappropriate use of the manoeuvre has been associated with significant morbidity. This includes pulmonary and aural barotrauma, hyper- and hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, arterial and venous haemorrhage, gastric reflux and stress incontinence. The complications of the manoeuvre are discussed.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11054/225
Resource Link: http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/xmlui/handle/123456789/6264
ISSN: 0813-1988
Internal ID Number: 00212
Health Subject: DIVING
MIDDLE EAR
NASOPHARYNGEAL
EUSTACHIAN TUBES
INTRAVASCULAR PRESSURE
INTRATHORATIC PRESSURE
Type: Journal Article
Article
Appears in Collections:Research Output

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