Can someone with asthma scuba dive?

Question

I have asthma and have always heard it can be more dangerous is this true?

Answer 1

My understanding is yes.  Go to a local dive shop.  Make sure you talk with someone with allot of experience.  Explain your situation and they will be glad to help you.

Answer 2

Yes.

Answer 3

You will find it hard to find a scuba instructor who will teach you with out a medical release form. This is a problem that only a D.R will really be able to help you with! find one who is knowledgable in diving medicine (usually if you just find a Dr who dives, he'll know enough to help you.) talk it over with him, and the two of you will come to a conclusion as to if it is safe or not. Diving is an individual sport-different for everyone

Answer 4

Here are the precautions for asmathatic divers:

1). Exercise or cold induced asthmatics should not dive.(BS-AC adds 'emotional attacks')

2). Asthmatics requiring 'rescue or reliever' medication should not dive. Asthmatics on chronic maintenance bronchodilation ('controller') and inhaled steroids are thought to be able to dive. Recommendations vary, however, and the BS-AC recommends that asthmatics should not dive if he/she has needed a therapeutic bronchodilator in the last 48 hours or has had any other chest symptoms.They feel that  the asthmatic should not need more than occasional bronchodilators, i.e. daily usage would be a disqualifying factor, but inhaled steroids/cromoglycate/nedocromil are permissible.

3). Mild to moderate asthmatics with normal screening spirometry can be considered candidates for diving. (FEV1/FVC ratio above 85% of predicted)

4). If an asthmatic has an attack, screening spirometry should be done and the individual should not dive until his airway function returns to normal.

So, the answer to your question is.....maybe.  I believe the number of problems is like 1 in 250,000.

Answer 5

Sure it is not illegal

Answer 6

Yes.  Most people have asthma that can or is controlled.

Answer 7

My Instructor had Asthma all his life and he doing great !! depends a great deal on the case, body and your medication history. Check with your Instructor/Doctor and do not let it hold you back if you wanna go for it. I will also recommend you to try and be a "Nitrox diver". Good luck :-)

Answer 8

i guess just take care.

Answer 9

yes and no. we've always had the notion that that if they were to get an asthma attack under water we wouldn't know how to breathe. but we all know asthma is an allergic reaction to what we are allergic to. Asthma attack can be caused by the cold air that scuba divers have to breathe - if you sensitive for that matter. so i guess we just have to play safe and just basically avoid doing so

Answer 10

yeh you can, if you wanna stay longer down.... u need specia kind of tank, less compressed air.

Answer 11

yes, as long as you do not try to breathe without the O2 tank !!! JK!

Seriously, I dunno!