Re: Re: Help:
 
>  GD> Any infos about astmatic (extrinstic= allergic based asthma) divers?
>  GD> I mean, are they in danger, or can they freely dive? The air in the
          I am an ashmatic myself. I have been a certified diver since 1988.
> I knew a diver with fairly serious bronchial asthsma; he was often
> seen sucking on a Ventolin Inhaler (Ventolin is a common prescription
> athsma medicine here in the US).  The danger is that during ascent,
> the restricted bronchii will not allow air to escape from the alveoli
> asthsma is minor or serious enough that you should not dive.  
          Every individual asthma case is different. As for myself, mine is 
          mostly induced by allergies, but it does caused me to remain with
          severe sinus problems year round. In these instances, my biggest
          problem is with equalizing while descending.
> PADI's medical permission forms list most all forms of cardio-pulmonary
> diseases as "should not dive", including athsma, but like I said,
> it's up to the doctor on a case-by-case basis.
          I can not tell you exactly how PADI, views it. I was certified
          through NASDS and their forms stated that a doctor's medical
          statement was required as to the treatment the patient undergoes,
          what medication they were on and what would be any restrictions if
          the doctor allowed them to dive. 
          I know for myself, I have found it to be necessary to take daily
          non-drowsy Sudafed in order to clear my sinuses. I also take my
          Ventolin inhaler on a regular basis, to help prevent or assist,
          when things act up. I have found the combination of these two items
          a tremendous help for me. Although, it has been awhile since I have
          been diving, since I remarried and my current husband isn't
          certified, we both are looking forward to the time when I can go
          diving again.
--- VFIDO 6.20.00 Gamma Candidate 10
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