Mild pulmonary impairment and diving?

[bluebanded goby]

Last week at the doctor's I had a spirometry test (i.e. test of breathing capacity). My vital capacity was right at normal value, but my forced mid-expiratory flow rate was 66%, and the bottom of the normal range I believe is 70%. The doctor said this indicated an issue with the small airways. I was given a couple of shots of a bronchodilator and repeated the test, with only a slight improvement. The doctor therefore concluded that I don't have asthma, but I do have "possible mild early pulmonary impairment" from having smoked for 15 years (but quit 15 years ago -- now age 49).

As far as I'm concerned I'm completely asymptomatic -- I don't get any shortness of breath during vigorous exercise or at any other time, and the doctor indicates my lungs sound completely clear. He didn't think there was any issue with diving, but he's not a diving specialist. I imagine there must be all kinds of ex-smoker divers out there who might test in a similar range. Can I go on diving with a clear conscience, or is it worth trotting over to my local DAN-recommended hyperbaric physician and spending a couple of hundred dollars for a visit to get his opinion?

 

[passion diver]

If you are anywhere near Thousand Oaks/Camarillo, it would be worth seeing Dr. John Millington. (maybe even just call him see if it's worth coming in) He has a long diving history and happens to be head of the Hyperbaric dept at Pleasant Valley Hospital. I went to see him before I started diving because I sometimes have trouble with asthma and wanted his professional opinion. He was good about the insurance thing too. If you do a search on his name on the internet you will find many of his published papers.
My dad always use to say, better safe than sorry. My advice would be see a doctor that has dive experience.

 

[bluebanded goby]

passion diver once bubbled...
My dad always use to say, better safe than sorry.

Thanks for the comment, Passion Diver. I too lean in the direction of being safe than sorry, which is what prompted my question. I was curious, though, about just how much of a red flag this would seem to the doctors on the board. Given that my insurance doesn't cover a consultation of this type, does being 4% out of range on this test justify going the extra step to see a hyperbaric physician? If not -- at least at this point -- what would be a prudent approach to keeping tabs on this (given that lung function as a rule gradually declines for just about everyone as we progress through middle age into the senior years)?