Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
32.7K
SCUBA Diving and Asthma: Clinical Recommendations and Safety
Christopher A Coop1, Karla E Adams2, Charles N Webb2
1Department of Allergy and Immunology, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX, USA. christopher.coop@us.af.mil.
Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology
|February 11, 2015
Summary
Asthma patients face risks like bronchospasm and pulmonary barotrauma when SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving. However, well-controlled asthma may allow safe diving after thorough medical evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Diving Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- SCUBA diving is a popular recreational activity with inherent risks.
- Asthma presents unique challenges for divers due to potential bronchospasm and airway obstruction.
- Complications can include pulmonary barotrauma, gas embolism, and seawater aspiration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on asthma and SCUBA diving.
- To identify risks associated with diving for individuals with asthma.
- To outline current recommendations for asthmatic divers.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a literature search in MEDLINE.
- Keywords used: asthma, allergy, SCUBA diving.
- Reviewed peer-reviewed articles.
Main Results:
- Diving can exacerbate asthma symptoms and lead to serious complications.
- Risks include bronchospasm, airway obstruction, pulmonary barotrauma, and gas embolism.
- Pollen contamination and seawater aspiration are potential triggers.
Conclusions:
- Many asthmatic individuals can dive safely if their condition is well-controlled.
- Diving evaluations require thorough history, spirometry, and potentially bronchial challenges.
- Specific asthma types (exercise-, emotion-, cold-induced) and recent medication use may contraindicate diving.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
2
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
2
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
3.7K
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma
3.7K
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
3.4K
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
3.4K
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
3.8K
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
3.8K
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
2
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
2
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
4.1K
The nursing management of asthma is a comprehensive approach that relies heavily on the expertise and dedication of healthcare professionals. It involves thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, strategic planning, effective implementation, and diligent evaluation. By meticulously following this step-by-step process, healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing the best possible care and treatment for patients with asthma, enhancing their overall health and well-being.
First, in...
First, in...
4.1K