I have Asthma and I want to Scuba dive!

[Kingpatzer]

The issue of disclosure is debatable -- but only once you have enough knowledge both about diving physiology and your current medical condition. Prior to that it is always in your interest to follow procedure as you do not yet know what you might not know.

 

[Mike Boswell]

Assuming you are cleared by your doctor:

Contact the folks at the dive operation in Barbados. Ask to speak to the boss. Get his/her full name and position. Explain that you will spend time and money to get there and you need to know beforehand if they will accept your doctor's signed and dated release form as proof of your fitness to dive. If yes, get the response in writing.

If no, then call the next dive operation.

 

[izibo]

Once you have Dr/DAN specialist approval, you may not want to disclose on the form. The form is a legal vehicle only. Even with the signature, you run the risk of being turned away. There is a whole thread debate on here about whether to disclose or not (search health form consequences), you make the call. Asthma can be a very touchy health issue in regards to Diving as until relatively recently the pat answer was always no.

I agree with this. I am personally an asthmatic, albeit a very mild one. I haven't had an attack in 10+ years and really only get wheezy around allergens or if I am really exercising to the extreme. I did my research, consulted a physician (over a beer) and decided that I was fine to dive. I didn't disclose any problems on my dive form. What are they going to do if I die under water? Sue me?

The form is really to protect them from being sued.

This is all YMMV, however. If you think there is any chance you might panic and have an attack underwater, it is in your best interests to alert the dive op so they can provide first aid if needed.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Here's a link about diving clearance for asthmatics.

Call up the dive shop with which you are considering scuba certification. Let them know about your condition (well-controlled asthma) and that you'd like to get medical clearance before going on vacation. They will direct you to download the proper medical clearance form. Set up an appointment with your doctor before your trip to have him fill out the form. You'll probably have to do some pulmonary function tests. Bring the completed form with you and present it to the dive shop prior to beginning the scuba class. That's it.

Unless you really care about the dive shop knowing that you have well-controlled asthma, I wouldn't try to hide it. I don't see it as a big deal at all. Nowadays asthma is not an absolute contraindication to diving.

njedrn mentioned that you should be following the physician-prescribed directions for taking Advair. If that means taking it twice a day, then that's what you should do. I agree. As was previously stated, Advair contains a long-acting bronchodilator (salmeterol) and an anti-inflammatory agent (fluticasone which is a corticosteroid). The key to having Advair work is taking the med on a consistent basis.

Have fun on your vacation!

 

[Splash-X]

I didn't disclose any problems on my dive form. What are they going to do if I die under water? Sue me?

The form is really to protect them from being sued.

The form mainly protects the operator from being sued but that isn't all it does.

The form is a mutual agreement. On your part, failure to disclose pertinent medical facts could lead to a lawsuit against you, your estate or heirs in which damages could be awarded if your death had a negative impact on the dive operator.

 

[izibo]

The form mainly protects the operator from being sued but that isn't all it does.

The form is a mutual agreement. On your part, failure to disclose pertinent medical facts could lead to a lawsuit against you, your estate or heirs in which damages could be awarded if your death had a negative impact on the dive operator.

It's a good thing I have very strong estate planning.

 

[scuga]

I was sorta in your same boat. I wheeze when I am around cats to long and I checked yes(to wheezing) on my initial OW course release. Mine was way less serious though.

I took the paper work to my doctor who makes you pay for signing off waivers etc... I talked to her and she was like "This is ridiculous" and waived the fee for me. Now I put No to everything and if I have a cat allergy from prolonged exposure while scuba diving I guess my estate is in trouble haha!

needless to say I keep my eye out for catfish

Good Luck! I think it's wonderful that you have found a way to live a more normal life with the new medicine. Scuba is great and I'm glad it's now even an option for you to consider. I hope it all works out.

 

[robint]

The form mainly protects the operator from being sued but that isn't all it does.

The form is a mutual agreement. On your part, failure to disclose pertinent medical facts could lead to a lawsuit against you, your estate or heirs in which damages could be awarded if your death had a negative impact on the dive operator.

or your family getting sued if another diver or divers die trying to save you. Or it could mean that if you do have problems and medical help is called, you may be given a medication that could interact badly with meds you have taken. There are so many things that can go wrong if you lie or leave out important information on those forms.

I really don't recommend lying.

robin

 

[Splash-X]

or your family getting sued if another diver or divers die trying to save you. Or it could mean that if you do have problems and medical help is called, you may be given a medication that could interact badly with meds you have taken. There are so many things that can go wrong if you lie or leave out important information on those forms.

I really don't recommend lying.

robin

Robin,

Excellent point. Many people don't stop to think how their actions might affect others.

Just because you "have a good estate plan" doesn't make it a smart thing to do.

 

[sdiver68]

I really don't recommend lying.

robin

It's not lying. There is no extra "threat of a lawsuit". There even is no extra risk to anyone assuming you are cleared by your Doc. But why do we need another thread on that topic?