Tips from divers with mild asthma?

[dtlang]

No medical advice....you already know that cold, dry air and the stress you mentioned can cause an asthmatic to trap air on ascent...the question as a diver, and only you can answer it, is are you willing to assume that risk? We hear call level of risk a "roll of the dice"; if it comes up snake eyes, you lose everything. Strictly as a fellow diver remember if you embolize your fellow divers will also pay a price.

Diving is always about assumption of risk...good luck and I am sure you can find a diving medicine doctor in UK.

PS...Our Dive Manual and Standards list asthma as an "absolute contraindication" for diving. Asthma by definition is 'air trapping' and the degree of air trapping may be a moot point; like being a 'little bit pregnant' overexpansion forcing an AGE is the risk. It only takes one.

I am curious as to which manual you are referring to as Our Dive Manual. Just trying to learn...

 

[Wallowa]

I am curious as to which manual you are referring to as Our Dive Manual. Just trying to learn...

The standards I referred to were in the Humboldt State University Diving Safety Manual [which mirrored the AAUS standards] and the American Academy Of Underwater Sciences [AAUS] standards....be advised that I have not reviewed either for decades but physics and physiology do not change, even if current dive practices may...often in my opinion standards are diminished to the determent of the divers, but in the interest of commercial entities trying to expand their base and 'bottom line'...just my opinion and observation not intended to impugn anyone or agency....an axiom that served me well for diving safety was: "If there is any doubt, there is no doubt".

DSO

 

[dtlang]

The standards I referred to were in the Humboldt State University Diving Safety Manual [which mirrored the AAUS standards] and the American Academy Of Underwater Sciences [AAUS] standards....be advised that I have not reviewed either for decades but physics and physiology do not change, even if current dive practices may...often in my opinion standards are diminished to the determent of the divers, but in the interest of commercial entities trying to expand their base and 'bottom line'...just my opinion and observation not intended to impugn anyone or agency....an axiom that served me well for diving safety was: "If there is any doubt, there is no doubt".

DSO

Excellent! Thank you! I was curious since I have asthma and I'm cleared to dive.

 

[Wallowa]

Excellent! Thank you! I was curious since I have asthma and I'm cleared to dive.

You are welcome...in days of yore a person with any air trapping disease, such as asthma/emphysema, it was considered an "absolute contraindication" for diving...like stated, it is always an individual choice how much risk we assume when diving.....for my divers I always errored on the conservative side...as much as I love diving, 69+ years, in my judgment there is a lot more to life...use logic and common sense to adjudge what is best for you, your call all the way...

DSO

 

[Marcozx]

Asthmatic here...….. UK diver, signed off by UKDMC

Dived open circuit and now currently a MOD 2 CCR diver.

Have a google on heliox treatment for asthmatics, my lungs are the best ever at a nice depth on a good helium mix

There is easy to access guidance on spirometry tests online. Get yourself checked out by a doc, it will involve stress testing your lungs with a check of their performance after exercise, will also involve breathing cold dry compressed gas.

I don't have any magic methods for diving, simply know your body, take your preventative medication, have a squirt of blue for luck 15 mins before you dive and never miss safety stops....... if anything chuck another minute or two onto the stop for a bit more luck.

You can inbox me if you need any info

 

[Scubagermany]

Do not do anything special. You are talking about "mild Asthma".
Just use your demand spray before the dive and you will be fine.
You can use it easily up to four times per day without consulting your physician.
If you havemore severe asthma problems you shoul reconsider diving without medical.advice!

 

[Unaware6905]

Diver, physician, and asthmatic here. Mine is particular sensitive to exercise and any liquid that hits my airway. My best advice: take a few good puffs of albuterol before your dives. Effect should last a few hours.