|
Personnaly i feel this is on a case by case. I have illness induced episodes or if i get real cold and winded i start to weeze and may need an inhaler, but this has never affected me diving even in springs since i am relaxed and not heavy breathing. How ever, i would respect the wishes of the one who is teaching me and if your not comfortable, maybe there are instructors who are and would be willing... Good luck with this and i look forward to seeing some other posts on this topic.
|
|
|
A dive buddy of mine has asthma, and he doesn’t seem to be affected by it under the water. He usually takes a puff on the inhaler just before the dive, and we’re off. I have dove with him at least 50 times including free diving to depths of 90 feet and we’re up here where the water temps at the warmest are 70 degrees and he’s never had a problem. Hopefully this helps.
Mike
|
|
|
I have asthma but have not used a rescue inhaler in many years. My Doc, who is also a diver, had no issues with my diving even when I was using a rescue inhaler 1-2 times a month.
|
|
|
While you are absolutely correct to ask for a Doctors note, you should know that asthma that is maintained is nothing to worry to much about. Asthma is the acute inflamation of the bronchioles causing increased exhalation effort. Of course it varies in a case by case basis, but for the most part air on land carries the allergens that can trigger a reaction, compressed air is filtered. Air on land has about 80-90% humidity that can trigger a reaction, compressed air is drier, and if they dive Nitrox, there is increased O2 which is used as part of the emergent treatment of an asthma attack. So a lot of the causes of an attack are avoided, and they’re diving with the treatment to begin with.
|
|
|
It depends on if it is controlled and what induces an attack for the individual. I recommend that you consult Divers Alert Network (DAN) as I am sure they have studied this issue at great length.
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks everybody for the great advice. The first thing I did after she told me was call DAN. They hooked me up with testing criteria for her to pass along to her doctor to assess her fitness to dive. Let’s wish her luck!
|
|
|
DAN has an extensive database of all the studies the conduct on line and they have been running the on line seminars for a while now. When it comes to medical conditions there are just to many variables to take into consideration as everyone is an individual and there can be other underlying conditions that would aggrevate the primary condition. Not to mention the persons willingness to be forth coming with their entire medical history even with a doctor.Without a complete picture its difficult to make an informed decision as to the best interest of you and the student.
|
|
|
Hey Angi,
When I first started diving I was diagnosed with asthma, I think it was 30 years since I had used an inhaler. I never had an attack while diving, I think it may have to do with the dry compressed air. I know I am an unusually calm diver but I remember not telling my dive instructor 30 years ago that I had asthma in fears that he would not certify me, but keep in mind I was already diving since 10 years old with my uncle.
When and if your student gets past the ok from Dr I will help out with them at the springs with you, and I can stay with them the entire time, the also need to have a very warm wetsuit, that cold water shock can trigger an attack.
To put your mind at ease we have dove with some people with asthma just recently, as well as major heart issues as well. He was sucking on an inhaler just before his roll off.
I also think it has a lot to do with severity of their condition as well. The doctor may also recommend they use nitrox, which is the case of the fellow we had dove with.
Good luck to you and them, Just think it could be a good learning experience as well as something you may even choose to specialize in. Sometimes the greater the challenge is the great the reward is for your soul.
|
|
|
Hi Angi,
Actually I have asthma, it’s well controlled, and I haven’t had trouble yet while diving. I made sure to get my asthma doc’s ok and just don’t dive if I have a cold or bad cough. As long as the student gets medical clearance, I’d say go for it. I’d hate to see someone not be able to get certified and experience everything diving provides.
|
|
|
I am an instructor, and I have asthma. I have my drs approval and always keep an inhaler around. I have no problems with diving with asthma, or teaching anyone with it.
|
|
|
|
I am an instructor, and I have asthma. I have my drs approval and always keep an inhaler around. I have no problems with diving with asthma, or teaching anyone with it.
|
|