Asthma and diving

[state38]

I have asthma and want to become certified. I have found a number of instructors here in Colorado that said that is not a problem if I have a doctor sign off on it. My doctor said he would sign the form if I came in and my lungs sounded clear. Is that good enough to tell if I am physically able to dive? Can anyone recommend tests that I should do or a specific doctor?

Thanks

 

[TSandM]

It sounds as though your doctor isn't very familiar with scuba diving. The issue with asthma is that it can be a condition which occurs in attacks, and the attacks can be triggered in some people by things we experience while diving, like cold or exertion. Just being asymptomatic at the time of a doctor's office visit is not enough to know that you are safe to dive (and it's safety you are concerned about -- having an asthmatic attack while underwater is a very dangerous thing, for a variety of reasons.)

HERE is an article that discusses some of these issues.

And here is what DAN has to say about it.

At the very least, your doctor should take a good history as to what your symptoms are, how often they occur, what seems to set them off, and how well you respond to medications. In some cases, pulmonary function testing might be appropriate.

Hope this information is helpful -- Good luck getting this sorted out!

 

[NegativeZero]

I also have asthma. i had my allergist sign off on my sheet. had to get a check up to see how my lungs were doing. when i as younger i had very bad asthma but over the past couple years i have been getting it under control. i think a major part of asthma and diving have to do with how ell do u know your self and your limits. actually i breath better underwater than i do above (more relaxed and just love it). you just have to be very careful and know your self. this is well my opinion just be careful.

 

[Chaseh]

There are many types and degrees of asthma. I would recommend speaking with a good pulmonologist who may also understand diving or barometric medicine.

In my case, thankfully, my asthma in purely nocturnal and really very easily controlled. I don't have "attacks" and I'm able to keep diving. Asthma should not be taken lightly when considering diving, as it can obviously be deadly, but should not be an immediate disqualification either. Just be careful and be smart.

 

[mdjh51]

generally speaking, any WELL CONTROLLED mild intermittent and mild persistent asthmatic can be cleared for diving, after a THOROUGH exam and a detailed discussion of the potential risks and liabilities of diving with reactive airway disease. Seek out a diving trained clinician (DAN is a good start point).

 

[BKP]

I have allergic asthma (triggers are obviously allergens/histamines).

I've seen both pulmonary specialists and allergy specialists, and those I've spoken with, and been examined by, seem to have the same opinion: watch your triggers. If cold, exertion, change in breathing pressure, or any other scuba related activity precipitates an episode, you need to investigate further.

I've never had an attack underwater (however, I have it completely under control, and haven't had an attack in years).

Thinking is different these days, whereas in the past, it would be an immediate red flag....

Good luck...

 

[dazulrich]

Hi,

Just a very stupid question...
What constitues an "attack" for you?

I was diagnosed with allergic Asthma a few years back after moving countries. And its clearly related to my new environment - when going abroad all symtoms dissapear, and after returning the wheezing sometimes starts about a day later.

Well I have hay fever and all sorts of other allergies, but obviously the move exposed me to new allergens that pushed me into the asthma zone.

I go skiing (without medication - as I'm abroad) , play all sorts of sports at home - as long as I take my inhaler, no probs.

Anyhow, if ppl talk about "I have it under control - and haven't had an attack in years" - what does that mean in terms of "attack"?

I keep saying I've never had an attack - but as I'm uncertain what an attack looks like - I may have some some.

Ta,
daz

 

[BKP]

Hi,

Just a very stupid question...
What constitues an "attack" for you?

I was diagnosed with allergic Asthma a few years back after moving countries. And its clearly related to my new environment - when going abroad all symtoms dissapear, and after returning the wheezing sometimes starts about a day later.

Well I have hay fever and all sorts of other allergies, but obviously the move exposed me to new allergens that pushed me into the asthma zone.

I go skiing (without medication - as I'm abroad) , play all sorts of sports at home - as long as I take my inhaler, no probs.

Anyhow, if ppl talk about "I have it under control - and haven't had an attack in years" - what does that mean in terms of "attack"?

I keep saying I've never had an attack - but as I'm uncertain what an attack looks like - I may have some some.

Ta,
daz

You have a good point, re: what is an attack.

I imagine the definition can vary depending on your perspective.
For me, an attack is where breathing actually becomes a conscious, difficult, chore, only remediated by a rescue inhaler or similar therapy.

My interpretation of 'having it under control' means 1- I've had no attacks (as defined above); and 2- I haven't had any wheezing or difficulty of any type (since starting daily therapy a number of years ago).

 

[TSandM]

By the time breathing becomes a conscious, laborious effort, bronchospasm is already fairly severe, and WAY beyond the point where it may cause serious trouble underwater.

I believe the guidelines say that someone should be ASYMPTOMATIC to dive. That means no wheezing at all and no asthmatic cough.

 

[Snoopyto]

I have asthma and been certified since 1986. I have never had an attack under water. However, I do pack an inhaler in my BCD pocket. Just in case. I also take a precautionary before I dive to insure that I do not have an attack. I suffer from both allergic and excerise induced asthma.

That said, I do not have much of an issue with allergic asthma, as I am not on a drug called Xolair. It works to block the allergic asthmatic reaction. This has reduced the amount of steriods that I take daily.