What condition can occur due to diving with respiratory congestion?

Diving with respiratory congestion can lead to arterial gas embolism because when a diver is congested, the ability to equalize pressure in the lungs is compromised. During ascent, if air trapped in the congested areas of the lungs expands and creates overpressure, it may force gas into the bloodstream. This can lead to an arterial gas embolism, where bubbles enter the arterial system and can obstruct blood vessels, potentially causing serious complications.

Mediastinal emphysema can occur from excessive pressure in the chest cavity but is more associated with tear or injury rather than congestion. Decompression sickness primarily results from insufficient off-gassing of nitrogen, not directly from respiratory congestion. Barotrauma refers to injuries caused by pressure changes affecting air-filled spaces, often related to improper equalization during descent or ascent, rather than specifically from respiratory congestion.