{"id":2415,"date":"2021-08-01T18:16:21","date_gmt":"2021-08-01T18:16:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/?p=2415"},"modified":"2023-07-24T12:24:56","modified_gmt":"2023-07-24T12:24:56","slug":"can-you-scuba-dive-with-asthma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/can-you-scuba-dive-with-asthma\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Scuba Dive With Asthma? Read This First!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Scuba diving is a challenging activity that requires intense training and a strong physique. Specifically, divers need to have excellent control of their<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/how-to-breathe-while-scuba-diving\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> breathing patterns<\/a><\/span>. But what if you have respiratory issues? Can you scuba dive with asthma? This is a tricky question, but it begs to be answered for the safety of affected individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #5b5b5b;color:#5b5b5b\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #5b5b5b;color:#5b5b5b\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/can-you-scuba-dive-with-asthma\/#Can_You_Scuba_Dive_With_Asthma\" title=\"Can You Scuba Dive With Asthma?\">Can You Scuba Dive With Asthma?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/can-you-scuba-dive-with-asthma\/#How_Will_I_Know_if_I_Can_Dive_With_Asthma\" title=\"How Will I Know if I Can Dive With Asthma?\">How Will I Know if I Can Dive With Asthma?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/can-you-scuba-dive-with-asthma\/#Precautions_to_Take\" title=\"Precautions to Take\">Precautions to Take<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/can-you-scuba-dive-with-asthma\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_You_Scuba_Dive_With_Asthma\"><\/span><strong>Can You Scuba Dive With Asthma?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/cough-inhaler-patient-use-information-asthma-1456147-pxhere.com_.jpg\" alt=\"can you scuba dive with asthma  \" class=\"wp-image-2420\" width=\"363\" height=\"256\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/cough-inhaler-patient-use-information-asthma-1456147-pxhere.com_.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/cough-inhaler-patient-use-information-asthma-1456147-pxhere.com_-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 363px) 100vw, 363px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, but it requires a lot of testing and consultation with a doctor. You see, asthma is a very dangerous condition, much so if an attack occurs underwater. But to know whether you can dive or not with this problem, you should understand how it occurs in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During an asthma attack, the airway constricts, making it hard to draw air in and out of the lungs. This is why the person would have labored breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, let\u2019s put this in an underwater perspective. Divers breathe compressed air from a tank. At a specific depth, it takes technique to suck in air from the tank supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your asthmatic lungs are exposed to this additional stress, a disaster could happen. We haven\u2019t factored in the fact that diving also includes a lot of anxiety, fear, and adrenaline rush. All these three will increase the risk for asthmatic divers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take note that asthma attacks are often triggered by stress and pollutants. However, if yours is triggered by cold air and exercise, diving isn\u2019t safe for you. Swimming against strong currents and breathing compressed air is a recipe for a massive underwater asthma attack. It\u2019s a nightmare you wouldn\u2019t want to live through \u2013 that is, if you get to ascend alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Will_I_Know_if_I_Can_Dive_With_Asthma\"><\/span><strong>How Will I Know if I Can Dive With Asthma?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re wondering whether it\u2019s safe for you to dive despite having asthma, you should take an asthma stress test. A general practitioner can perform this test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the procedure, the doctor will try to simulate breathing conditions underwater. They will usually let you breathe compressed air while pedaling an exercise bike. Other doctors will use a different but similar method to this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you exhibit respiratory distress or a full-on asthma attack, your doctor will not give you clearance for diving. You should follow your doctor\u2019s advice based on the results to prevent accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For accurate results during the asthma stress test, avoid drinking caffeine and using salbutamol inhalers 48 hours before your appointment. You should also wear loose clothing suitable for cycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Precautions_to_Take\"><\/span><strong>Precautions to Take<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you passed the asthma stress test and your doctor green-lit your dive, you should observe extreme precautions. Here are some of the things you should do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2714\ufe0fCheck your peak flows regularly.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/sub-2296460_1280-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2419\" width=\"393\" height=\"295\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/sub-2296460_1280-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/sub-2296460_1280-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/sub-2296460_1280-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/sub-2296460_1280.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Peak flow refers to how well you can blow air out of the lungs. You should check your peak flow in the morning and evening of the scheduled dive. If your peak flow is 10% lower than your expected reading, you shouldn\u2019t dive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2714\ufe0fMind your last inhaler use<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you had to use a reliever inhaler in the past 48 hours, you should not dive. It\u2019s likely that your peak flow is not at its best, and there\u2019s a high chance you\u2019ll experience an attack underwater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2714\ufe0fCheck for symptoms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to listen to your body. If you have symptoms prior to the dive, you shouldn\u2019t force yourself to take the plunge. Doing so will put you and your diving team at risk. You should allow yourself to recover first before taking a dive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2714\ufe0fAscend slowly<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>After the dive, you should ascend slowly than usual speeds, but make sure that you have calculated your air supply for this. A slow ascent will allow your lungs to adjust to the changing pressure. It will also prevent irritations and asthma attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2714\ufe0fInform your divemaster of your condition<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Before the dive, you should let your divemaster and dive buddy know of your condition. As long as you have a good peak flow reading and go-signal from your doctor, they will not consider it a big problem. This way, they can respond accordingly if you exhibit unusual behavior underwater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q: What medical conditions can stop you from scuba diving?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A: The likes of coronary disease, epilepsy, and severe asthma can stop you from diving. It\u2019s very dangerous to dive in these conditions. The pressure and stress of being underwater will surely take their toll on your health. Worse, it will put your life in danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q: Can you scuba dive if you had asthma as a child?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A: An asthma stress test will confirm whether you\u2019re suitable for diving if you had asthma before. Just know that a history of asthma puts you at risk of respiratory problems while underwater. If you haven\u2019t had attacks for years, there\u2019s a high chance that you can dive. Nevertheless, you should take the test just the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q: Why people with asthma should not scuba dive?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Scuba diving is a dangerous sport. If your lungs aren\u2019t in the best condition, you\u2019ll be at a very high risk of airway obstruction and even death. This is why some dive shops and centers will ask asthmatic individuals to sign a waiver if they are keen to dive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q: Can you be a commercial diver if you have asthma?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A: It could be difficult to achieve commercial diver status if you have asthma. Many certifying organizations won\u2019t issue certifications if you have long-term respiratory conditions. Also, you\u2019ll have to pass more requirements in case the organization accepts your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q: Is scuba diving bad for your lungs?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Scuba diving can cause barotrauma if you ascend too fast or if you didn\u2019t perform decompression stops. But with proper training and experience, the risk of diving can be minimized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final words<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Can you scuba dive with asthma? Yes, but with very specific conditions and precautions. Asthma and diving don\u2019t often mix, so you have to be careful. Consulting your doctor and taking an asthma stress test is important for each dive to keep you safe. You should also listen to your body in case the symptoms occur.<\/p>\n<style>\r\n\r\n        .lwrp.link-whisper-related-posts{\r\n            \r\n            margin-top: 40px;\nmargin-bottom: 0px;\nmargin-left: 0px;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-title{\r\n            color: #07000f;\r\n            \r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-description{\r\n            \r\n            \r\n\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-container{\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container{\r\n            display: flex;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-double{\r\n            width: 48%;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-triple{\r\n            width: 32%;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container{\r\n            display: flex;\r\n            justify-content: space-between;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container .lwrp-list-item{\r\n            width: calc(20% - 20px);\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item:not(.lwrp-no-posts-message-item){\r\n            \r\n            margin-top: 0px;\nmargin-right: 0px;\nmargin-bottom: 0px;\nmargin-left: 0px;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item img{\r\n            max-width: 100%;\r\n            height: auto;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item.lwrp-empty-list-item{\r\n            background: initial !important;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-link .lwrp-list-link-title-text,\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-no-posts-message{\r\n            \r\n                \r\n        }\r\n        @media screen and (max-width: 480px) {\r\n            .lwrp.link-whisper-related-posts{\r\n                \r\n                margin-bottom: 0px;\nmargin-left: 0px;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-title{\r\n                \r\n                \r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-description{\r\n                \r\n                \r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container{\r\n                flex-direction: column;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container ul.lwrp-list{\r\n                margin-top: 0px;\r\n                margin-bottom: 0px;\r\n                padding-top: 0px;\r\n                padding-bottom: 0px;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-double,\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-triple{\r\n                width: 100%;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container{\r\n                justify-content: initial;\r\n                flex-direction: column;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container .lwrp-list-item{\r\n                width: 100%;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-item:not(.lwrp-no-posts-message-item){\r\n                \r\n                margin-top: 0px;\nmargin-right: 0px;\nmargin-bottom: 0px;\nmargin-left: 0px;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-link .lwrp-list-link-title-text,\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-no-posts-message{\r\n                \r\n                    \r\n            }\r\n        }<\/style>\r\n<div id=\"link-whisper-related-posts-widget\" class=\"link-whisper-related-posts lwrp\">\r\n            <h4 class=\"lwrp-title\">You might also like:<\/h4>    \r\n        <div class=\"lwrp-list-container\">\r\n                                            <ul class=\"lwrp-list lwrp-list-single\">\r\n                    <li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/how-to-navigate-with-a-dive-compass\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Mastering the Art of Navigation: How to Navigate with a Dive Compass<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.underwatermag.com\/can-you-go-to-altitude-after-diving\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Can You Go to Altitude after Diving? 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