Asthma is a chronic respiratory lung condition that has no cure.
A controlled lifestyle and a reasonable amount of caution would enable an asthmatic to lead a fairly normal life.
The disease afflicts people of all ages and genders.
Asthma is typified by the following conditions in the respiratory tract: oInflammation oHyper-responsiveness oObstruction The exact cause of the disease remains unknown but it is an unusual ailment that affects the air passages due to the following: oContraction of air passage muscles oMucus production oSwelling in the air passages In the process of breathing, air is drawn through the trachea which splits into bronchi and further into bronchioles and alveoli.
Through this air passage, oxygen is passed into the bloodstream while carbon dioxide is collected and expelled.
An asthmatic is susceptible to certain irritants that trigger a reaction which causes the air passages to spasm or constrict.
The disease results in difficulty in breathing and wheezing due to this constriction or because of the blockage of these air passages with mucus.
Scuba diving is swimming underwater for an extended length of time during which the diver breathes from a self-carried compressed air supply.
It is vital that the diver's air passages should be unobstructed in order to equalize air pressure whilst under water.
The risk to asthmatics arises from the fact they might develop air flow obstructions at any time in the lungs which will be an impediment to equalization.
Furthermore, asthmatics may be predisposed to air trapping.
Asthmatics may not be disqualified from scuba diving but they should be made aware of the potential risks.
Diving is all right for those who suffer from allergy-induced asthma but not for sufferers susceptible to exercise, cold or emotion-induced asthmatic attacks.