Asthma and Diving

[mdjh51]

Asthma is defined as a disorder characterized symptomatically by cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing associated with limitations of airflow. The symptoms may be acute and episodic (what most people consider "asthma attacks" or may wax and wane over long periods of time. One or more of the symptoms may be dominant, but all are ususally present. The airflow obstruction is vatiable, and may return to normal between exacerbations. A diagnosis of asthma is made based upon patient presentation with the above symptoms combined with pre- and post-broncho dialator pulmonary function tests.

I always refer a suspected new onset asthma patient to a pulmonologist for further evaluation and diagnosis.

So, if you suspect that you have asthma, a pulmonologist is the way to go. Your PCP may or may not be up to speed on the intracies of asthma diagnosis and management. And remember, there is much more to asthma than the typical attack that most people equate to it.

So why is diving with asthma such a big deal? Asthma is an obstructive airway disease. You can get the air in, but you have a difficult time getting the air out. Trapped air in the lungs is VERY bad during ascent.

I am not sure about PADI, but for NAUI, asthma is an absolute contraindication to diving. Potential risk is too great.

One last thing, if you are consutling with a physician vis-a-vis diving, you should make an effort to see a physician who is trained in diving medicine, and not just a physician that dives.

 

[ShoalDiverSA]

Just had my annual (work) medical.

Attached is my lung function result sheet.

Any thoughts on the results?

I know that pre/post tests are required for diagnosis of asthma and I did not do this test this year. My first results were good enough to avoid an obstructive diagnosis. So no inhaler.

I know that this cannot replace a direct consultation with a doctor, but I would appreciate any thoughts from medical contributors. For my peace of mind, I am going to set up an appointment with my dive physician.

Cheers,

Andrew

 

[Nova SS]

I am not a doctor but I did play one under some high school bleachers once.

here is a link the expains the testing.
http://www.spirxpert.com/indices5.htm

 

[Saturation]

I have seen a spirogram on this thread that for most purposes is normal, MEF & FEF values are normal at over 60% of predicted.

Asthma is reversible airway disease, therefore without an acute asthma episode, spirograms are often normal.

Of asthma types, only that which is associated with a known and avoidable trigger factor is approved for diving.

If the trigger factor is known, say its pollen or cat hair, then in the absence of same there is no asthma. With CGA quality air, or better yet nitrox-compatible air, the filters used remove even items smaller than pollen grains. Given modern air pollution in our environment, SCUBA air is often cleaner than environmental air.

However, if the trigger factor is exertion, exercise or is unpredictable, then there is a good chance it can occur during a dive, and hence, is substantially problematic for diving.