[Diving fitness of children and adolescents. Importance for ENT doctors].

About 10% of all sport scuba divers are children and adolescents. Little is known about the particular risks and consequences of this sport on a child's health. Due to the peculiarities of childhood anatomy and physiology, certain restrictions apply to the diving fitness of children and adolescents. Before starting scuba training, the presence of particular cognitive abilities must be demonstrated and eustachian tube dysfunction must be ruled out by a specialist. Medical contra-indications to scuba diving for adults apply to children too but must be adapted. Relative risks for adults may translate to absolute contra-indications in children and adolescents. When planning dives, there should be rigorous limitations as to depth and time. Experienced adult divers must always assist with dive planning and accompany children and adolescents when scuba diving.