Asthma and diving

[MRBLUESKY]

Hi all,

I have a friend (yes I do!) who did a try dive yesterday, he is keen to do his OW.

The only problem is that he has asthma.

He used to be a swimming lifeguard and is reasonably fit, but apparently the asthma can be brought on by strenuous activity. It is generally controlled with an inhaler.

Can anyone give me an idea if he will be accepted to dive (he has an apppointment to see his doc on Friday, but I was just wondering if any dive related people could advise)?

Thanks in advance.

Andy

[uwila]

I'm not a Dr, but congestive asthma is an absolute contraindication to diving. The problem with asthma is that air may well enter the alveoli (air sacs where gas exchange takes place) but might be blocked during the ascent. If that happens, the only place for the expanding air to go is through the very thin cell lining and into the blood stream. This can lead to AGE and possible death.

A friend of mine is a diving Dr and I remember him saying that some types af asthma are Ok, but it's quite rare for anyone with asthma to dive safely.

Please make sure your friend goes to a diving doctor - some GPs seem to believe that being fit to do exercise is good enough - it isn't.

Andy - you don't live too far from me - if your mate is also in Sarf Lahndahn, then I can recommend a great bloke to do a proper dive medical. PM me for deets.

[MonkeyPony]

As general rule, if asthma is exercise induced you wont be signed off fit to dive

[MRBLUESKY]

Thanks,

Unfortunately he is not local to here (nor am I normally ).

I thought that this was the situation and even told him so this am, I will let his doc tell him officially, and if he is given any advice other than "You can't dive", I'll get him to see a dive doc.

Thanks again.

Andy