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Asthma and recreational SCUBA diving: a systematic review
Michael Koehle1, Rob Lloyd-Smith, Don McKenzie
1Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Centre, Department of Family Practice and the School of Human Kinetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. mskoehle@interchange.ubc.ca
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
|March 6, 2003
Summary
Recreational SCUBA diving is common among asthma patients, despite traditional contraindications. Research suggests a potential increased risk of decompression illness and pulmonary barotrauma for divers with asthma.
Area of Science:
- Marine Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Diving Physiology
Background:
- Asthma is often considered a contraindication for recreational SCUBA diving.
- A significant number of individuals with asthma participate in SCUBA diving activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive review of existing research on the safety of SCUBA diving for individuals with asthma.
- To evaluate the risks and implications of asthma in the context of recreational diving.
Main Methods:
- Searched MEDLINE and MDConsult databases for relevant studies published between 1980 and 2002.
- Utilized keywords such as 'asthma', 'SCUBA', and 'diving' for literature retrieval.
- Included analysis of surveys, case series, and mechanistic investigations.
Main Results:
- Identified fifteen relevant studies, including surveys, case series, and mechanistic investigations.
- Survey data indicated a prevalence of asthma among SCUBA divers similar to the general population.
- Found weak evidence suggesting an increased risk of decompression illness in divers with asthma and potential risks of pulmonary barotrauma.
Conclusions:
- Diving activities can lead to decreased pulmonary function in healthy individuals and reduced airway conductivity in those with respiratory atopy.
- Asthma may present an increased risk for pulmonary barotrauma in divers, necessitating further research.
- Individual assessment and shared decision-making are crucial for determining diving eligibility for asthmatics.