inhalers toxic at depth?

[SCUBedoobedoo]

If i were to take an inhaler before a dive to eliminate any risk of asthma, could it be possible that the vapor from the inhalor would become toxic at greater depth? after all it is a gas:doctor:

 

[LUBOLD8431]

Ok, I was goin to reply to this, but I cant... Sorry...

DO you have active asthma????

DO you know that having active asthma is a ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATION TO SCUBA DIVING?????

 

[SCUBedoobedoo]

no i do not have ACTIVE asthma but i get it maybe 3 times a year, i wanted to know if i should take an inhaler as a precautionary measure:bonk:

 

[raviepoo]

You need to talk to your doctor.

Then you need to call up DAN and tell them what your doctor said.

Then you need to go back to your doctor armed with information from your phone call to DAN.

And then you need to schedule an appointment with whatever local dive doctor DAN refers you to.

Diving with asthma might lead to your death. You MUST be cleared for diving by doctor who understands both your illness and the specifics of the sport. Strangers on the Internet can not clear you for diving. Your own doctor probably doesn't have sufficient information to clear you for diving.

Do yourself a favor. Take your questions to an expert who has had a chance to review your medical history and give you a thorough examination. Don't rely on information you find on this, or any other forum.

You could end up dead. Really. Permanently. All the way dead.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi SCUBedoobedoo,

Your understanding of asthma, and the broadness of your inquiries regarding its possible implications for diving, appear to be such that this forum cannot offer reliable medical-educational information.

Your issues should be discussed directly with a pulmonologist/asthma specialist with some knowledge of dive medicine.

If you or your physician wish to contact DAN, this can be done here---> http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[Brian1968]

SCUBedoobedoo once bubbled...
If i were to take an inhaler before a dive to eliminate any risk of asthma, could it be possible that the vapor from the inhalor would become toxic at greater depth? after all it is a gas:doctor:

I wholeheartedly agree with what everyone just said regarding diving with your asthma, but your original question remains unanswered. I think it's important to do so as you have a common misconception about your inhaler.

In the standard "puffer" Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) that most are familiar with, there is a propellant gas in the cannister that delivers the medication. A small amount of gas is released with each dose. An even smaller amount is actually inhaled with the medication if the MDI is being used correctly. I would question how much gas actually makes it to the lungs. Nevertheless, any that may will rapidly be diluted to negligible concentrations in the space of a few breaths.

The medication itself is not a gas. It is an aerosol of liquid droplets much as you would get from a spray bottle. The difference being that the MDI droplets are of a controlled size and small such that they deposit in the airways. Once there they are quickly absorbed and the medication goes to work. End of story.

DPI's or Dry Powder Inhalers are a different too. No propellant gas. No aerosol. Just dry powder.


Brian1968
Reg. Respiratory Therapist

 

[chuckrt]

OK Scubadobedo or whatever,
Here goes, there are some inhalers that are used to CONTROL asthma. These are not albuterol,ventolin,combivent or MDI's of this nature. These are long lasting daily MDI or oral meds. that reduce inflamation of the airways not reverse wheezing(bronchspasm). Some of these Meds are contraindicated for any diving and as such you should see a Pulmonoligist or MD. that is into diving med. I strongly suggest you get a referal from DAN and if you have doubts take the name to your MD. that is treating you now.

Good Luck

chuckrt
Reg. Respiratory Therapist

Hi Brian