Lung and Trachea Squeezes: A Freediving Guide (with Real Experience)
Freediving lung and trachea “squeezes” refer to pressure-induced injuries of the lungs or airways during deep breath-hold diving. They occur in both recreational freedivers exploring shallow reefs and competitive athletes pushing personal bests at depth. In medical terms, they’re forms of pulmonary barotrauma, essentially damaging lung or tracheal tissues when they’re compressed beyond their limits.