Asthma and Scuba Diving - Why the Confusion?

Asthma and Scuba Diving - Why the Confusion?

Scuba diving is prohibited for asthma sufferers in some countries but not others. Why? Should asthma sufferers risk ignoring this rule? Either scuba diving is dangerous to an asthma sufferer, or it is safe. Why this confusion?

Insurance Companies Make the Rules

Depending on which country you are in, you may scuba dive to your heart's content -- or not. The simple answer is that insurance companies make the rules. Countries with high insurance coverage are less likely to allow scuba diving for asthma sufferers as they will not be covered for the risk: the fact that most asthma sufferers are at no greater risk than any other person while scuba diving is not considered relevant. Insurance policies work on a hypothetical basis, not necessarily on facts. Stats from last year on scuba diving accidents show that only one of the 5,000 reported was attributed to having had an asthma attack in an underwater environment.

Insurance companies have taken advice from doctors. Doctors base their recommendations on the presumption that if one were to have an asthma attack while under water, he wouldn't know how to breathe. They state "The limiting factor for asthmatics is adequate ventilatory capacity underwater." This is a sweeping statement and is certainly not true for all asthma sufferers. It puts everyone who has asthma into the one category, not taking into account that where asthma is concerned, people's needs and abilities vary hugely.

Asthma is Unique to an Individual

It ignores asthma is unique to each individual, affecting people in different ways. Some people get asthma from being near perfume and are perfectly OK in cold water. Some are triggered by dust while being absolutely fine in dry air. It is impossible to generalize what is likely to cause an asthma attack as no two cases are the same.

The perceived problem is the cold air breathed in by the diver. Then there are individuals who are prone to strong emotions -- they may be in a high state of fear or excitement. These emotions are in the general public and can be controlled drug-free with guidance and practice. Asthma sufferers may look for successful alternative methods for controlling their asthma. Breathing methods have been brought into the mainstream in recent years: research done in Russia has brought relief to millions of people world wide: yoga has helped countless people live full lives again. It would be good to see more conventional medical practitioners become aware of these drug-free benefits. How much effort does it take to look up a website with an alternative solution about how to cure asthma the natural way?

I am the online Wellness Editor and Contributor to BeWellAgain.com. You will also find a lot more information about asthma and how to deal with asthma here... http://www.BeWellAgain.com/get-rid-of-asthma

Did you find this article useful? Still struggling with Asthma? Maybe I can help. I recommend your take a look here now http://www.BeWellAgain.com/get-rid-of-asthma for more useful tips and strategies -- It is a free report and you won't have to log in or leave your name or email address.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Megan_Richards
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3408904

By Megan Richards