Regulator for Asthmatics

[Ghostdiver]

My wife dives and she has asthma (she has been checked out and approved to dive by a pulmanologist who knows about diving). We are currently shopping for regulators, one of the things I want in a regulator is a dry breathe, but she asked if a regulator that breathes wet might be better for her asthma. I found a threat that posed the same question:


http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6850&highlight=asthma+and+regulator

however, I don't think it was ever answered. Would a wet breathing reg be better for someone with asthma? Or would a regulator equipped with the apollo bio-filter be better? I am all set on a Zeagle ZX50D, but its a very dry breathe so I am not sure if it would be best for her or if it even matters.

Thanks.

 

[DocVikingo]

I believe that you may be confusing wet breathing with humidification of air from the tank.

The term wet breathing when applied to a reg means a tendency to take on water in its liquid state that is deposited in the mouth. It does not mean gaseous water vapor that humidifies air from the cylinder on its way to the lungs.

In fact, to the extent that a wet breathing reg contributed to saltwater droplets reaching the lungs it would be a very bad thing in the asthmatic.

What you seem to be seeking is the introduction of micronized fresh water into the stream of cold dry tank air (which could theoretically trigger an attack) prior to its entering the bronchial tree.

As was discussed in the thread you linked, humidification can to some degree be accomplished by the use of a reg with "moisturizing fins," such those made by Sherwood & at least one by Mares. The Apollo Bio-Filter inline wick is another such device. I have tried these and found that while they all helped somewhat in combating dryness of the mouth & throat, they were far from miraculous.

Regarding their possible effectiveness in reducing or attenuating asthma attacks related to cold dry cylinder air, I really can't say, but according to the post by DivingDoc DAN didn't seem very optimistic.

Clear?

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[Ghostdiver]

Thanks, that does make sense. I guess I was thinking wrongly of a reg that breathes wet. Not something I like, and it sounds like it could actually be dangerous for an asthmatic. She has never had an attack while diving and hasn't had an attack since she was a child (before the advent of more modern treatments), so we're not worried about attacks brought on by dry air (and neither was her doctor). From the other thread and from what you said, it sounds like it really isn't a safety issue even if she has a completely dry reg without a biofilter or other humidifier, but rather a comfort issue.

Thank you.

 

[Ed Palma]

Hi there!
I too am an asthmatic, and while I've never had a n attack underwater, one of the best things she could do is to take a prophylactic dose of her beta-2-agonist prior to going diving - in a similar manner that people who even have mild intermittent bronchial asthma can take a quick puff prior ot engaging in other sports. the dose should last around 4 hours.
(I am assuming, of course that she DOES have a rescue inhaler, just in case?)

Have fun and be safe.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Doc Ed,

The date of the last post in this thread prior to yours is 02-20-03, or about 3 1/2 years ago. As it unlikely that the inquirer is any longer following this discussion, you may wish to email or PM him with your suggestions.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[lilo]

what's a rescue inhaler?

 

[mdjh51]

Persons with asthma are given a couple of different medications. One is for prophylaxis (prevention) and the other is for "rescue". The patient typically takes the preventiuon inhaler daily, and uses the "rescue" inhaler only to treat an acute attack. In essence, the inhaler "rescues" them from the asthma attack.

 

[lilo]

I'm asthamtic myself and never heard of the "rescue inhaler". Whats the actual name of the medication?

 

[mdjh51]

A rescue inhaler is nothing more than a beta agonist (usually albuterol) that you take when you feel an asthma attack coming on.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Lilo,

As mdjh51 has indicated, rescue inhalers almost exclusively rely on albuterol as the active ingredient. They are marketed under such names as Proventil, Ventolin and Volmax.

Regards,

DocVikingo