Regarding asthma...

[Jakekm]

I know it's a common query and I know the risks involved, I'm not asking about that. What I want to know, is weather there are any asthmatic scuba divers out there and if your willing to share your experiences.

I am an asthmatic, my symptoms are mild and are almost exclusively associated with being in the company of rabbits and also when suffering from bad hay-fever. On occasion, however, after intense exercise, I get a mild amount of wheezing (By mild, I mean that breathing doesn't seem impaired, and the sensation goes away after a couple of minutes without any medication). The exercise induced asthma, from what I hear, is a big no no for diving.

I really want to learn how to dive to go along side studying marine biology over the next few years, but I'm extremely concerned that this asthma will stop that.

Thanks.

 

[reefinmo]

Jakekm, you should discuss all of this with your doctor. If you do really have an extremely mild case, it might be a good idea to ask your doctor to call DAN (Diver's Alert Network) and discuss your case with them. It's a group out of the Duke University Medical Center and they know more about diving medicine than anybody in the world. And it is a first-rate organization all around.

But having said that, if you have been diagnosed with asthma, the official recommendation of the medical community will almost certainly be that you should not dive. My, albeit limited, understanding of the physiology involved is that asthma presents itself multiple ways that are all contraindications for diving. Even if it is very minor and entirely controlled with medication, they rarely will recommend that diving is something you can do safely.

But everything is a situation and your case may be one of those rare exceptions where they say it is OK. But you need to seek the advice of a medical professional on that point.

 

[rfman81]

Jakekm, I would second consulting your asthma and allegory doctor. I did and found out my doc actually dives and said it should not be a problem for me. Control asthma is the thing. Things he asked and knew was how often I have used my fast acting inhaler in the last 6 months. How physically fit I was. IE I swim 1/2 mile twice a week. All of the contribute to it.
Really there are many asthmatics in diving. Most folks just know how to control it or know the signs of when not to dive. My instructor for open water was one and I know a couple more.

 

[Jakekm]

@Reefinmo-Thanks for the comment. That official recommendation is exactly what I was scared of, I'd rather a doctor take my case on an individual basis as it seems asthma varies greatly from person to person. I'm worried that at the first mention of "asthma" it'll be an automatic "No".

Jakekm, I would second consulting your asthma and allegory doctor. I did and found out my doc actually dives and said it should not be a problem for me. Control asthma is the thing. Things he asked and knew was how often I have used my fast acting inhaler in the last 6 months. How physically fit I was. IE I swim 1/2 mile twice a week. All of the contribute to it.
Really there are many asthmatics in diving. Most folks just know how to control it or know the signs of when not to dive. My instructor for open water was one and I know a couple more.

Thankyou rfman81-This has made me feel a little better, knowing that there are asthmatics out there who can dive. I will be consulting a doctor and I've also been doing some peak flow tests on my own. Seems that at rest I am actually above average for my age/height and after exercise there is no change. As far as I know, I have never had any reaction to cold air. With the main trigger being my allergy to rabbits, I'm quite confident that I'll be cleared for diving. I'll post on update on the situation when I finally decide to apply for training, but that won't be for a while.

Regards.

 

[7808]

im not offcially diagnosed with asthma but did have an albuterol inhaler for a while, and more of an issue i have faught a pretty long fight with anxiety disorder (which usually can lead to breathing issues and hyperventalating : / ), i have been diving, it was so cool i forgot about that stuff, only problem i had was i couldnt equalize to get rid of the ear pain when i got down like 20ft bad sinuses

i basicly checked 'i dont have that problem' in sevral boxes i probly shouldnt have when i signed the paper to get go scuba

 

[solitude127]

I've been diagnosed with asthma and have well over 200 dives. I think you have to be aware of what triggers your asthma. My wife just got certified and on the questionnaire is a question about asthma. If you answer yes, then they require a doctors note to validate that you've consulted a physician about it.

 

[daplatapus]

+1 on consulting DAN (Divers Alert Network) They will be able to answer your questions and help you and your physician to come to an educated decision for your case.

 

[seahorsedreams]

I'm an asthmatic diver.

 

[CRAZYFIZH]

I would have to say that you need to talk to your doctor about it. But on the outher hand you need to decide what kind of diving you are going to do.sight seeing or spearfishing one take a lot more out of you then the other.i have had ashtma from birth and i have been spearfishing for over 10 years now with no problems even to depths over 165ft but it comes down to the individual person you can take all the case study that you want there will be different outcome to individual persons.my best advice is if you know a dive instructor or if not shop around at you lds and find a instructor that you like and tell him or her what knid of diving you want to do they can set you up with different equipment longer fins (swim easier),adjustable reg to prevent not enough air. Ect ect.
Hope some of this helps.
P.s. The slower you keep breath the better off you will be under water .

 

[Diverjohn]

I would definetly consult your doc. I would try and find a doctor that is either a diver or is knowledgeable about it. Many times if they dive they are more apt to help out. I have been to both, some say no way, others say lets take a look. I have been diving for 14 yrs, thought I had asthma, but after some testing they are leaning to pulmonary problems. But the doctor hasn't stopped me from diving.

I also agree with CRAZYFIZH. Once you get cleared by the doctor then find an instructor that can help you on your way. Many instructors are really good about tailoring the training to the needs of the student. I have talked to several people that have asthma and dive. I even know doctors who have asthma and dive. A lot of it will depend on you.

 

[zach jay]

I have asthma. Just got certified diving. I've had no problems. my doc is a diver too, said there's no problem with it.

 

[snorvich]

All good advice. Many people with controlled asthma dive. Just go through the proper protocols mentioned above and you should be fine.

 

[saf1]

+1 for contacting DAN
+1 for contacting your primary care physician

That being said my daughter has asthma and is a diver. Better yet she is my dive buddy on most dives. We dive mostly in the Northern CA waters which is cold but have also done a bit of diving in the warmer temps. All things being equal as long she has her asthma and allergies under control diving isn't a issue.

Pre-dive for us discusses the dive, what we plan to do, and possible emergency accent if needed. Main key for her is keeping her docs aware of her hobby and how she feels the day or time of dive. If breathing is a issue then there isn't a dive. Same if she is using her enhaler more than others. No diving...

In fact - I believe it was DAN who had a pretty good article on diving with Asthma. Never the less, controlled and talking to your physician will dictate in the end I'd wager. But my reply is that it can be done as a father who dives with a daughter having it.

 

[starshrike]

Definetly speak to your PCP or allergist. General "guidelines" have been expanded to allow diving to the controlled asthmatic community (and do not quote me!). I spoke with my allergist and he told me the risks, and basically I can dive but it's still "at my own risk" and don't be stupid about it. I have very mild asthma which is delay-triggered by allergies. I can still breathe during an 'incident', but it's more of a nusiance, esp if I want to sleep.

Diving is ok for those with controlled asthma
- Have not needed a bronchodialator (ie. inhaler) for at least 48 hrs before a dive
- Asthma is NOT triggered by cold, exercise or mentally... forgot the real term

Basically, if it's WELL controlled and relatively mild, and you know all the triggers + you FEEL fine for at least 48 hrs before (and obviously during) a dive, you should be fine.

Always dive with a buddy who is aware of your condition!