Tech diving with Asthma

[navyhmc]

Originally Posted by James1010

My asthma is under control, I use an oral steroid and abuterol. I have never had any issues diving deep i.e. 110ft being the deepest. Thanks for all the info. on Dan. That helps out like you wouldn't believe. I know I can pass a Pulminary Function Test if a Doctor ask me to. I was also thinking would it be possible to test the different gas mixes before a dive to see how I would do. Is there any danger in breathing the gases before a dive?

No danger at all. Nitrox is merely oxygen enriched air so it's kind of like breathing a little supplemental oxygen. Trimix/Heliox will make you talk a little funny but will cause no harm. Now if you decide to rely on a hypoix misture....well, that could cause problems. No matter what the mix, you're absorption of the inert gasses will be that of surface pressures and will not cause problems when you start your ascent. You'll learn all this in a Nitrox class.

BTW, as has been said here before, there are no stupid questions. You don't know, ask. A lot of folks here with a very strong knowledge base.

[Largo]

James,
Hi. If you call DAN at 919-684-2948, they can give you reliable information that you need on this topic.

[James1010]

I really appreciate all the info. I will give them a call in the morning. I plan on going to a dive shop and test it out. I plan on getting my rescue divers cert. this summer and then I plan on taking some advanced courses with deep diving being the first. I was hoping to find some tech divers with asthma and also get some info. from you all which is what happened. I was just really nervous and didn't want to make the next step and paying for it and not being able to do it.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by James1010

I really appreciate all the info. I will give them a call in the morning. I plan on going to a dive shop and test it out. I plan on getting my rescue divers cert. this summer and then I plan on taking some advanced courses with deep diving being the first. I was hoping to find some tech divers with asthma and also get some info. from you all which is what happened. I was just really nervous and didn't want to make the next step and paying for it and not being able to do it.

There's a difference between a recreation "deep" diving cert and actual tech diving on mixed gas, beyond recreational limits and in overhead environments (virtual or physical).

IF you find a doctor willing to sign you off, an agency and instructor willing to take you on, you'll then need to find a buddy willing to tech dive with you.

No offense intended, here: I'd dive with you any time... recreationally. But there is a higher bar for technical diving. An attack at depth could put both you and your buddy's life at serious risk, if it happens while you still have a deco obligation. I'd prefer to keep a direct ascent as a viable option, under the circumstances.

[cummings66]

I agree with the higher bar and feel the same way. No way I'd take my buddy with asthma on a technical dive, the risk is much too high. Cold water temps and stress, could be a disaster in the making.

[James1010]

Well I guess Cummings doesn't want to be my dive buddy....

[gbrdiver]

I wouldn't call 110' deep for tech diving (or necessarily a tech dive at all). I would hate to see anyone take ill at tech dive limits especially with significant deco required.

[RoyN]

From your profile, you only have 25 to 50 dives. The recommended dives should be around 75 logged dive and a large portion of them must be deep dives too and they should be around 100 to 120 or 130. Also, whats your purpose of getting a tech dive? Is it for research purpose? Going to wrecks or something? You should enjoy the water a little more before tackling tech diving.

[James1010]

The discussion was about tech diving not 110ft you must have gotten it wrong. I wanted to take a tech diving course but had questions about my asthma.

[RoyN]

James, tech diving is really no joke. If you have certain health conditions that can and will be a problem then you shouldn't attempt it until a doctor clears it with a letter and even then, its up to the dive instructor because he WILL be liable if something happens. At depths like 140 to 200, nobody can help you if you are having trouble because helping you would mean risking their life in order to do so. Matt said he won't take you tech diving is because he can't out of risking someone's life, not because he doesn't want to or hates you. Even I myself feel not ready to start the tech training even though I'm diving doubles and carrying a deco stage bottle. Otherwise, I'm not discouraging you from diving or anything, but you have to be aware that in tech diving, an error could put you in a world of suck.