Can You Go Scuba Diving If You Have Asthma?
Asthma is one of the most common health questions in the diving world. Many people assume that having asthma automatically means you can’t dive — but that’s not always true. Thousands of divers with mild, well-controlled asthma enjoy scuba safely every year. The key factor is whether your asthma puts you at increased risk underwater, which is why professional medical assessment is essential.
Why Asthma Can Be a Concern for Divers
Diving places the body under pressure, and breathing compressed air underwater can affect the lungs differently than normal breathing. If someone has unstable asthma, restricted airways can increase the risk of:
Air trapping or lung over-expansion injury
Shortness of breath underwater
Reduced ability to manage an emergency ascent
However, not all asthma is the same. Many people have mild, well-controlled asthma with rare symptoms — and these cases may still be suitable for diving once medically assessed.
- You regularly have wheezing or breathlessness
- Your asthma is triggered by exercise or cold air
- You’ve needed steroid tablets recently
- You struggle to complete lung function tests
Common Reasons Asthma May Stop You Diving
Not every case can be cleared. You may be advised not to dive if you experience any of these. Safety is always the priority — diving with unstable asthma can be dangerous.
When Asthma Is Usually Acceptable for Diving
Your Triggers Are Not Diving-Related
No symptoms triggered by cold air
No symptoms triggered by exertion
No symptoms triggered by stress
If your asthma is mainly allergy-related (e.g., pollen), your chances of being passed as fit to dive are often higher.
What to Expect During a Scuba Diving Asthma Medical
A diving medical for asthma is slightly different from a standard diver medical because it includes extra respiratory checks. You may be asked about:
Your full asthma history
Medication use and inhaler frequency
Lung Function (Spirometry) Tests
Peak Flow Measurements
How Motor Medicals Helps Divers with Asthma
At Motor Medicals, we understand that many people with asthma want to enjoy scuba diving safely — and with the right assessment, many can. Our team provides a streamlined medical service designed specifically for divers with asthma, making the process simple, fast, and reassuring.
Book Your Diving Medical with Motor Medicals
Only £120.
Experienced doctors familiar with PADI/BSAC requirements. Multiple clinics across the UK. Fast appointments and same-week availability. Clear guidance on fitness to dive
