Asthma & Diving

[wettek]

I heard of a diver who had a metal allergy, she didnt disclose her asthma and had an attack in a swimming pool during training.

deff disclose any conditions inc asthma when enrolling, if you're overseas for example you will void your medical insurance if you don't and depending where you are it can be damn expensive!

Gidday Dorsebetboy!
It is a very pleasant change to see someone here who actually shares my view on medical disclosure and insurance. Last time I was on this forum "to tell or not to tell", I was basically howled down by lots of people who thought their doctors opinions should override that of the dive doctors that we as Instructors contact for medical advice. It was amazing how quickly after several comments back and forth everybodies doctor became a dive doctor. Worth also noting the rather dubious insurance ideas that some have. Keep up your safety standards

Regards wettek

PADI MSDT #471412
TDI Advanced Nitrox/Deco procedures.

 

[Debby]

Hey Josh, I know your main interest is opinions on the health aspect of diving with asthma. But somebody brought up the issue of disclosure to your insurance company. Yes, I'd have to say that full disclosure is extremely important in terms of insurance.

Regarding life insurance, don't be scared to fully disclose everything. Given your complete profile, a broker can better match you up with the most competitive life insurance carrier for your type of risk. Without full disclosure (on the other hand), your policy could become void! Never hide any info. (That's a no-no.)

Best of luck!

 

[Snowbear]

I just want to make sure that there are no serious ramifications to diving with Asthma.

Diving with a history of asthma is one thing. It's having an asthma "attack" while at depth that could quite possibly kill you. Are you SURE you will never have an asthma attack while underwater? If you are sure, no reason to not dive. If you're not, then know the risks and the consequences of accepting those risks (and make sure any loved ones know them as well).

As I'm sure you know, asthma is an entrapped gas problem. If you cannot exhale the entrapped gas while ascending, it will continue to expand. If it can't escape out your spasming airway, it will escape into your circulatory system or your chest cavity, leading to further life-threatening conditions.

As long as Albuteral does not conflict with Nitrogen or pressure

Have you tried using your Inhaler at depth?

I just simply don't have the money (remember I have ALREADY spent $700) for the tests to get this done properly.

How will you pay for treatment if you are wrong?