Skydiving offers an exhilarating experience. Many people with pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma, often wonder if they can safely participate. This article explores the considerations for skydiving when managing asthma, including physiological effects and necessary precautions.
Understanding Asthma and Skydiving
Individuals with asthma face specific concerns when considering skydiving due to the environment and physical demands. Rapid changes in air pressure during ascent and descent, exposure to cold air at altitude, and adrenaline surges can all potentially trigger asthma symptoms. At higher elevations, the air becomes “thinner,” meaning less oxygen is available, requiring the body to work harder to breathe. While typical skydiving altitudes around 14,000 feet generally have sufficient oxygen, intense wind during freefall can also create a sensation of breathlessness.
A thorough medical consultation with a doctor specializing in respiratory conditions is essential before considering a skydive. This professional can assess the severity and control of an individual’s asthma, review lung function tests, and evaluate their current medication regimen. The doctor will determine if skydiving is appropriate, considering how well current treatments prevent exercise-induced asthma or cold-air triggers. Individuals requiring regular oral steroids for asthma may also need assessment for osteoporosis due to an increased risk of fractures.
Essential Precautions for Asthmatic Skydivers
If cleared by a medical professional, individuals with asthma should take several practical steps to ensure a safer skydiving experience. Taking a rescue inhaler before the jump, if recommended by a doctor, can help reduce the risk of symptoms. While access to inhalers during the jump itself may not be possible, keeping one readily accessible on the ground before and after the jump is important.
Communicating one’s asthmatic condition to skydiving instructors is important. They should be aware of the situation and the location of any emergency medication. Weather conditions play a role, as cold air, humidity, and sudden changes can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Choosing a day with favorable weather, avoiding extreme cold or strong winds if these are known triggers, can contribute to a more comfortable experience.
Scenarios Where Skydiving is Unsafe
Skydiving is unsafe or not recommended for individuals with certain asthmatic conditions or respiratory issues. Poorly controlled asthma, characterized by frequent or severe symptoms, makes skydiving too risky. Individuals who have recently experienced an asthma attack or exacerbation should not skydive. Severe asthma, or exercise-induced asthma not adequately managed by medication, also presents a safety concern.
People whose asthma is triggered by environmental factors that cannot be mitigated during a jump, such as high pollen counts in landing areas, should exercise caution. Skydiving is generally not recommended for those with a history of collapsed lung (pneumothorax) due to the increased risk from pressure changes. Ultimately, the final decision on whether to skydive rests with a medical doctor, who can provide personalized guidance based on a comprehensive health assessment.