The answer to whether a person with asthma can skydive is conditional, depending entirely on the stability of the respiratory condition. Skydiving involves a rapid ascent in an unpressurized aircraft, exposure to high altitude, and a swift descent, all of which introduce environmental and physiological changes that can affect the lungs. Individuals with well-managed asthma often complete jumps safely after proper preparation and medical consultation.
Physiological Effects of Skydiving on Asthma
Skydiving exposes the respiratory system to environmental factors that can trigger a broncho-constrictive response. The most significant factor is the exposure to cold and dry air during the freefall phase, which often involves wind speeds exceeding 120 miles per hour. This rapid introduction of cold, arid air causes the airways to dry out and cool down, a common trigger for exercise-induced asthma, leading to coughing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest.
The typical exit altitude for a tandem skydive ranges between 10,000 and 14,000 feet above sea level. At these heights, the partial pressure of oxygen is significantly lower than on the ground, meaning the body must work harder to absorb the necessary oxygen. For a person with asthma, this low-oxygen environment can compound any existing airway constriction, increasing the effort required for respiration. The high-adrenaline nature of jumping out of a plane also contributes to the risk, as the body’s stress response causes an elevated heart rate and increased, shallow breathing.
This physiological state, combined with cold air exposure and reduced oxygen availability, makes an asthma episode more likely. While the physical exertion of skydiving is minimal, the environmental stress on the lungs is considerable.
Essential Pre-Jump Medical Management
Securing medical clearance from a physician or pulmonologist is the first step for anyone with asthma considering a skydive. This consultation should happen well in advance of the planned jump date, allowing the doctor to assess the current stability of the condition, review recent peak flow readings, and confirm that the asthma is consistently well-controlled.
A specific protocol for medication must be established for the day of the jump. If the individual’s asthma is prone to cold or exercise triggers, the physician may recommend pre-medicating with a short-acting beta-agonist inhaler, such as salbutamol, approximately 30 to 60 minutes before the aircraft ascent. This prophylactic use helps to open the airways before they are exposed to the cold, dry air of altitude. The individual must also ensure they are carrying their rescue inhaler, keeping it accessible immediately upon landing, as it will be impractical to access during the actual jump.
It is necessary to fully disclose the asthma condition to the dropzone staff and the tandem instructor before jumping. This disclosure ensures that the instructor is aware of the potential medical situation and can monitor the student for any signs of respiratory distress. Dropzone personnel need to be informed so they can act appropriately if symptoms arise upon landing.
High-Risk Indicators and Cancellation Criteria
Certain conditions make skydiving unsafe, regardless of prior medical clearance, and require the jump to be postponed or canceled. If the individual has experienced any noticeable asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath, within 48 to 72 hours of the scheduled jump, cancellation is necessary.
Uncontrolled asthma is a direct contraindication for skydiving. This is defined as requiring the use of a rescue inhaler several times a week, experiencing frequent nighttime awakenings due to symptoms, or having recently undergone a change in controller medication dosage. If the individual is currently suffering from any respiratory infection, such as a cold, flu, or sinus infection, the jump must be postponed. These infections cause inflammation and mucus production, which significantly lowers the threshold for an asthma attack at altitude.
The skydiving instructor or dropzone operator reserves the right to deny the jump if they perceive a risk to the student’s health or safety. This decision is based on observing the individual’s current state, their reported health history, and the prevailing weather conditions, particularly if the air temperature is unusually cold.