I've got an interesting situation. First I'd like to ask a question. Would any you be familiar with where I can find a doctor, preferably a pulmonary specialist, who has experience in dive medicine and isn't an extremist either for or against diving with asthma? I'm in Sacramento, CA. and would like to consult with such a physician if necessary.
That said, here is the situation for me that I would like practical advise on.
Had extremly minor asthma as a child (no medication needed). It disappeared. Another more minor recurrence at 13 or so. Inhaler prescribed but was rarerly needed. It went away after less than a year (I can count on one hand the number of times I actually chose to use an inhaler - it was never necessary). Started playing trumpet in middle school. Stayed physically fit by working out and leading an active life. Got to college and majored in music. One or two mild instances of shortness of breath. Attempted to join United States Marine Corps. Asthma was in medical records so was an issue. Marine Corps waived asthma (two doctors said I either did not have asthma or had mild asthma and that any previous breathing issues was either related to heavy smoking by parents until I was 6 or allergens in the air) and allowed me entry (spirometry was 100% and metacholine challenge produced no effect. However, as odd as it may sound, I strongly question the competency of the administrators of the tests and am unsure of their accuracy. This is due to the sloppiness and imprecise methods the lab techs had of administering the tests - I'd personally prefer to retake these). I was discharged for medical reasons in phase 3 of basic training, but they were totally unrelated to pulmonary functions (it was mild degenerative disc disease that while not a problem currently, might become so under the stressful lifestyle of the Corps). No breathing issues during basic training. After discharge moved to CA to plan next life step. While in CA I am running and swimming. Due to the very low air quality I have had a few minor breathing issues but nothing that stopped me from any physical activity at all. Used a bronchodilator a few times. My lifestyle for the past 7 months or so has been relatively sedentary.
The advise I am looking for is whether or not diving is practical for me. if it is, then I will obviously see a physician in person and listen to his advice. What I would like to know is if it would be worth my time and expense to visit a doctor or are risks too high. I don't like the idea of suffering AEG just to see animals I currently keep in my aquarium.
That said, here is the situation for me that I would like practical advise on.
Had extremly minor asthma as a child (no medication needed). It disappeared. Another more minor recurrence at 13 or so. Inhaler prescribed but was rarerly needed. It went away after less than a year (I can count on one hand the number of times I actually chose to use an inhaler - it was never necessary). Started playing trumpet in middle school. Stayed physically fit by working out and leading an active life. Got to college and majored in music. One or two mild instances of shortness of breath. Attempted to join United States Marine Corps. Asthma was in medical records so was an issue. Marine Corps waived asthma (two doctors said I either did not have asthma or had mild asthma and that any previous breathing issues was either related to heavy smoking by parents until I was 6 or allergens in the air) and allowed me entry (spirometry was 100% and metacholine challenge produced no effect. However, as odd as it may sound, I strongly question the competency of the administrators of the tests and am unsure of their accuracy. This is due to the sloppiness and imprecise methods the lab techs had of administering the tests - I'd personally prefer to retake these). I was discharged for medical reasons in phase 3 of basic training, but they were totally unrelated to pulmonary functions (it was mild degenerative disc disease that while not a problem currently, might become so under the stressful lifestyle of the Corps). No breathing issues during basic training. After discharge moved to CA to plan next life step. While in CA I am running and swimming. Due to the very low air quality I have had a few minor breathing issues but nothing that stopped me from any physical activity at all. Used a bronchodilator a few times. My lifestyle for the past 7 months or so has been relatively sedentary.
The advise I am looking for is whether or not diving is practical for me. if it is, then I will obviously see a physician in person and listen to his advice. What I would like to know is if it would be worth my time and expense to visit a doctor or are risks too high. I don't like the idea of suffering AEG just to see animals I currently keep in my aquarium.