title: [Asthma and scuba diving: can asthmatic patients dive?].
abstract: Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba) diving has grown in popularity, with millions of divers enjoying the sport worldwide. This activity presents unique physical and physiological challenges to the respiratory system, raising numerous concerns about individuals with asthma who choose to dive. Asthma had traditionally been a contraindication to recreational diving, although this caveat has been ignored by large numbers of such patients. Herein we review the currently available literature to provide evidence-based evaluation of the risks associated with diving that are posed to asthmatics. Although there is some indication that asthmatics may be at an increased risk of pulmonary barotrauma, the risk seems to be small. Thus, under the right circumstances, patients with asthma can safely participate in recreational diving without any apparent increased risk of an asthma-related event. Decisions on whether or not diving is hazardous must be made on an individual basis and be founded upon an informed decision shared by both patient and physician.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine 'T', Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. kobi-sa@inter.net.il
authors.forename: Kobi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sade
authors.forename: Ory
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Wiesel
authors.forename: Shmuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kivity
authors.forename: Yoram
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Levo
mesh_terms: D001249:Asthma / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004242:Diving / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012449:Safety