@!#$@!!! Not a good Friday for me.

[Royce]

I went to the Doctors office today to get checked out because I have a history of Asthma.

He will NOT let me dive.

I'm going to look around for a 2nd opinion. I've finished my OW class and was getting everything together for my checkout dive. Now it looks like I may not be able to dive at all

This is something I have Always wanted to do. I am really really upset about this.

 

[Gombessa]

Sorry to hear that, good luck with the 2nd opinion. I'm sure you have, but please don't neglect to consider the reason your md won't clear you to dive, not just the unfortunate fact that he won't. There's a very good reason that asthma is considered a contraindication to diving.

 

[Scott L]

Check out what DAN says...


DAN Divers Alert Network

 

[Royce]

Thanks... I found the DAN site and most of the studies show it is a Low risk. Getting my doctor to agree with that may be a different story.

I'm now looking at trying to find a doctor in the Maryland/Wash DC. area that is at least familiar with scuba, asthma and what the current thinking is. The doctor I saw today, was nice enough, was a pulmonary specialist and knew asthma etc., but almost the first thing he said was .. Oh ...you have asthma? Then you can't dive.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Did the doctor explain specifically why he didn't clear you? It would be helpful if you shared a brief history of your asthma (first diagnosed, meds taken, ER visits, current exercise tolerance, etc.).

Why did the instructor allow you to begin the class without first obtaining medical clearance?

Some asthmatics can get clearance to dive. Several factors are used to determine whether it is "safe" for someone with asthma to take up the sport. Here's a more comprehensive essay on the considerations that doctors and asthmatics should be aware of. At the very least, it might help you understand your doctor's reasoning.

I'm now looking at trying to find a doctor in the Maryland/Wash DC. area that is at least familiar with scuba, asthma and what the current thinking is. The doctor I saw today, was nice enough, was a pulmonary specialist and knew asthma etc., but almost the first thing he said was .. Oh ...you have asthma? Then you can't dive.

I just read your post. Yeah, this might be an education issue. See a physician who's familiar with the unique aspects of diving. Call up Divers Alert Network (DAN) at 800-446-2671 or 919-684-2948, Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5:00pm EST. Even if you aren't a dues-paying member, a DAN representative should be able to refer you to doctors in your area who would fit the bill. Asthma is not an absolute contraindication for scuba diving.

 

[Abaco24]

Also run a search on "asthma" in the title only and you'll have 3 pages of threads to look through on what other divers were able to do or not do. Good luck, I hope you get cleared.

Found this, some conditions have to be met.
http://scuba-doc.com/asthma.htm

 

[spectrum]

The doctor I saw today, was nice enough, was a pulmonary specialist and knew asthma etc., but almost the first thing he said was .. Oh ...you have asthma? Then you can't dive.

That's encouraging. If it really was that cut and dried you may be OK.

What triggers your asthma?

Cold and exertion are not favorable for diving

Allergic irritations can usually be managed.

Can DAN line you up with the referral specialist?

Pete

 

[pharmddiver]

From what I have read, if you have normal pulmonary function tests- you can safely dive (I believe this is from the DAN webpage). Your lungs are not impaired and there is very little risk. Have you had a PFT done recently? I have asthma and my PFTs are above normal limits.

Good luck, I hope you can get underwater!

Erika, Registered Respiratory Therapist, Pharm. D

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I'd like to know how you were even able to start training. If you indicated on the medical form that you had asthma you should not have even been able to start training without clearance from your doctor. The instructor who allowed you to do this took a big risk. And possibly violated standards. Not a smart thing to do.

 

[Doubler]

Jim,
For my own education, "'I'd like to know how you were even able to start training." Is this still true today. For example can't one do all the book work online? And if this is true I would think an instructor could do the classroom work with no risks. Pool work and checkout dives I agree with you 100%. I am not looking for an argument just education.