Asthma & (CCR) Diving

***ScubaDadMiami*** · 28th July 2006, 14:33

Though not a physician, I have read (mostly in the past though) extensively on the subject. The bottom line is that views on this subject have changed over time.

Asthma used to be considered an absolute contraindication to diving. Later, this was modified to the diver candidate being passed if not dependent upon inhaler nor having an attack within a certain period of time.

Things continue to change as more of an understanding is learned. So, if you want to find out information, make sure you are getting it from someone who knows about the latest stances and standards about the subject in the diving medical community.

saturation · 28th July 2006, 16:56

I concur. The bottom line with asthma and diving is:

If the trigger for an attack is consistent;
this trigger is nearly 100% predictable;
the trigger can be eliminated during a dive;
the candidate can dive.

For example, if one is allergic to cat hairs, its unlikely any cat proteins will be in CGA quality air, particularly Grade E nitrox compatible dry air, and thus likely is clear to dive.

Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)

Though not a physician, I have read (mostly in the past though) extensively on the subject. The bottom line is that views on this subject have changed over time.

Asthma used to be considered an absolute contraindication to diving. Later, this was modified to the diver candidate being passed if not dependent upon inhaler nor having an attack within a certain period of time.

Things continue to change as more of an understanding is learned. So, if you want to find out information, make sure you are getting it from someone who knows about the latest stances and standards about the subject in the diving medical community.

Dutchy · 28th July 2006, 21:20

Quote: (Originally Posted by saturation)

I concur. The bottom line with asthma and diving is:
For example, if one is allergic to cat hairs, its unlikely any cat proteins will be in CGA quality air, particularly Grade E nitrox compatible dry air, and thus likely is clear to dive.

It would be a pity though to die from an asthma attack induced by the ships cat. Effect may be delayed so the clean air later on may not help you.....

babar · 29th July 2006, 01:02

Quote: (Originally Posted by Dutchy)

It would be a pity though to die from an asthma attack induced by the ships cat. Effect may be delayed so the clean air later on may not help you.....

or cat hairs in your scrubber

Mike448 · 12th February 2008, 13:06

First off - I know nothing about Asthma. This said, I have 2 friends who suffer from Asthma. One has been diving successfully for years with no problems. The other, also a diver, was recently diagnosed with Asthma and told he should not dive.

Now I was wondering: Would a CCR be a better option for an Asthmatic than OC? Again, I know nothing about Asthma but have noticed that diving with a CCR the air remains warmer and does not dry out as much as OC. Would this be a benefit to an Asthmatic?

Cheers
Mike

Dutchy · 12th February 2008, 16:00

Quote: (Originally Posted by Mike448)

First off - I know nothing about Asthma. This said, I have 2 friends who suffer from Asthma. One has been diving successfully for years with no problems. The other, also a diver, was recently diagnosed with Asthma and told he should not dive.

Now I was wondering: Would a CCR be a better option for an Asthmatic than OC? Again, I know nothing about Asthma but have noticed that diving with a CCR the air remains warmer and does not dry out as much as OC. Would this be a benefit to an Asthmatic?

Cheers
Mike

I'm afraid there's no such thing as "the" asthmatic. I thrive on desert air wether cold or warm. I think the purity of the air (no (hardly any) pollens) is beneficial to me. Other people may react differently.

28th July 2006, 14:33	#21 (permalink)
*ScubaDadMiami* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 1,937	Re: Asthma & (CCR) Diving Though not a physician, I have read (mostly in the past though) extensively on the subject. The bottom line is that views on this subject have changed over time. Asthma used to be considered an absolute contraindication to diving. Later, this was modified to the diver candidate being passed if not dependent upon inhaler nor having an attack within a certain period of time. Things continue to change as more of an understanding is learned. So, if you want to find out information, make sure you are getting it from someone who knows about the latest stances and standards about the subject in the diving medical community. __________________ Howard Packer IANTD CCR Instructor Miami Beach, Florida CCRDiveTraining.com
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28th July 2006, 16:56	#22 (permalink)
saturation New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA Posts: 53	Re: Asthma & (CCR) Diving I concur. The bottom line with asthma and diving is: If the trigger for an attack is consistent; this trigger is nearly 100% predictable; the trigger can be eliminated during a dive; the candidate can dive. For example, if one is allergic to cat hairs, its unlikely any cat proteins will be in CGA quality air, particularly Grade E nitrox compatible dry air, and thus likely is clear to dive. Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami) Though not a physician, I have read (mostly in the past though) extensively on the subject. The bottom line is that views on this subject have changed over time. Asthma used to be considered an absolute contraindication to diving. Later, this was modified to the diver candidate being passed if not dependent upon inhaler nor having an attack within a certain period of time. Things continue to change as more of an understanding is learned. So, if you want to find out information, make sure you are getting it from someone who knows about the latest stances and standards about the subject in the diving medical community. __________________ Safe Diving and Best Wishes, I.G. Saturation, MD { Comments are informational only and not meant to be medical advice applicable to a particular case. Consult your physician when considering information posted here }
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28th July 2006, 21:20	#23 (permalink)
Dutchy SK#007 Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Nieuwegein (The Netherlands) Posts: 699	Re: Asthma & (CCR) Diving Quote: (Originally Posted by saturation) I concur. The bottom line with asthma and diving is: For example, if one is allergic to cat hairs, its unlikely any cat proteins will be in CGA quality air, particularly Grade E nitrox compatible dry air, and thus likely is clear to dive. It would be a pity though to die from an asthma attack induced by the ships cat. Effect may be delayed so the clean air later on may not help you..... __________________ = This post is environmentally friendly. It is composed of 100% recycled electrons only. = SK #007
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29th July 2006, 01:02	#24 (permalink)
babar Curmudgeon Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Sport Kiss Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Evolution Other CCR Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 416	Re: Asthma & (CCR) Diving Quote: (Originally Posted by Dutchy) It would be a pity though to die from an asthma attack induced by the ships cat. Effect may be delayed so the clean air later on may not help you..... or cat hairs in your scrubber __________________ Babar Evolution Plus Sport kiss
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12th February 2008, 13:06	#25 (permalink)
Mike448 New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Knysna (South Africa) & Florida Posts: 34	Re: Asthma & (CCR) Diving First off - I know nothing about Asthma. This said, I have 2 friends who suffer from Asthma. One has been diving successfully for years with no problems. The other, also a diver, was recently diagnosed with Asthma and told he should not dive. Now I was wondering: Would a CCR be a better option for an Asthmatic than OC? Again, I know nothing about Asthma but have noticed that diving with a CCR the air remains warmer and does not dry out as much as OC. Would this be a benefit to an Asthmatic? Cheers Mike
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12th February 2008, 16:00	#26 (permalink)
Dutchy SK#007 Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Nieuwegein (The Netherlands) Posts: 699	Re: Asthma & (CCR) Diving Quote: (Originally Posted by Mike448) First off - I know nothing about Asthma. This said, I have 2 friends who suffer from Asthma. One has been diving successfully for years with no problems. The other, also a diver, was recently diagnosed with Asthma and told he should not dive. Now I was wondering: Would a CCR be a better option for an Asthmatic than OC? Again, I know nothing about Asthma but have noticed that diving with a CCR the air remains warmer and does not dry out as much as OC. Would this be a benefit to an Asthmatic? Cheers Mike I'm afraid there's no such thing as "the" asthmatic. I thrive on desert air wether cold or warm. I think the purity of the air (no (hardly any) pollens) is beneficial to me. Other people may react differently. __________________ = This post is environmentally friendly. It is composed of 100% recycled electrons only. = SK #007
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