A question regarding Ventolin & Becotide.

[stitch626]

First off I would like to make it clear I am *not* Asthmatic

About 3 months ago I had a chesty cough that would not clear and the Doctor gave me Ventolin & Becotide to help me (He recommended that I stay on this for four months). And although my cough cleared up 2 months ago I am still using it as per the doctor’s recommendation (I have not consulted him since the first visit).

So my question is this. I am going diving next week and I am wondering if it is safe to use it or if I should stop before I go? I must admit I feel fine and don’t feel that I need to use it, but I am not sure what this medicine does or if it has any effect on diving.

Any help would be great.

Many thanks
Stephen

 

[DiveTub]

Find a Local Doctor that is qualified in Diving medecine to give you a checkup.
It is not worth getting blocked up at depth and having a tasty embolism to take to the chamber with you.

Cheers
Chris
PADI MSDT
http://homepage.mac.com/sydney_diver

 

[The Iceni]

Readers,

I am not practicing in the US so can only give you my perspective as a British GP.

Inhaled steroids are generally only indicated for the long-term prophylaxis of asthma and other COPDs.

I have prescribed similar preparations for adults with acute wheezy bronchitis but only to treat symptoms for a few days.

If patients stop long-term steroid treatment they run the risks of rebound symptoms.

I would suggest it would be unwise for anyone to stop their steroid inhaler prior to diving, for this reason alone.

This does not constitude medical advice on a doctor-patient basis. This information is provided for educational purposes only.