Skydiving with asthma is usually a question of careful management and preparation, not an absolute prohibition. Most tandem skydives occur from altitudes between 10,000 and 14,000 feet, involving a rapid descent that exposes the body to unique physiological stressors. For individuals with asthma, these high-altitude environments introduce specific considerations that must be addressed before booking a jump. The answer depends largely on the condition’s control level and physician approval.
Seeking Medical Clearance Before Booking
The most important step for anyone with asthma considering a skydive is obtaining formal authorization from their healthcare provider. Skydiving center staff cannot make this decision, as they are not qualified to assess respiratory stability under extreme conditions. The physician needs a complete picture of the individual’s asthma history, including the frequency of symptoms and any recent exacerbations.
A thorough consultation involves detailing the type and severity of the condition, noting whether it is exercise-induced, mild intermittent, or persistent. The medical professional should be informed about the specific environment of the jump, particularly the typical exit altitude of around 14,000 feet. This altitude is relevant because the reduced barometric pressure affects oxygen availability.
Reviewing the current medication protocol is a significant part of the clearance process. This includes understanding the difference between daily controller medications, which reduce airway inflammation, and short-acting rescue inhalers. The physician will evaluate how well the current regimen has maintained control, especially in the weeks leading up to the jump.
A recent physical examination is recommended to ensure the lungs are clear and functioning optimally. Medical clearance confirms that the individual’s airways are stable enough to tolerate the rapid changes in temperature and pressure inherent to skydiving. This proactive step minimizes the risk of exercise-induced or cold-air induced bronchospasm during the freefall.
How Skydiving Conditions Affect Respiratory Health
The unique atmospheric conditions encountered during skydiving present several physiological challenges to the asthmatic respiratory system. As the aircraft ascends to altitudes reaching 14,000 feet, the partial pressure of oxygen decreases, even though the percentage of oxygen in the air remains the same. This reduced oxygen availability, known as mild hypoxia, can place additional strain on lungs that may already have compromised function due to inflammation.
Airway reactivity is significantly affected by the extreme temperature drop experienced during the ascent and initial freefall. The temperature at 10,000 feet can be substantially colder than on the ground, often dropping more than 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Inhaling this cold, dry air is a well-established trigger for bronchoconstriction in sensitive airways.
Rapid exposure to cold air causes the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchi to contract, leading to the narrowing of the airways. This reaction, which is a protective mechanism, can quickly lead to wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing in asthmatic individuals. Managing this specific environmental trigger is a primary concern for those planning a jump.
Beyond the physical environment, the profound psychological stress and excitement associated with a first skydive can also influence respiratory health. The body releases a surge of catecholamines, including adrenaline, in response to the high-stress situation. While adrenaline can sometimes act as a bronchodilator, the overall stress response can also trigger hyperventilation or anxiety-induced symptoms in some individuals.
The combination of reduced oxygen, intense cold air exposure, and a strong physiological stress response means that even well-controlled asthma can be momentarily destabilized. Understanding these specific environmental effects is necessary to implement appropriate safety measures.
Essential Safety Steps on Jump Day
Adherence to specific safety protocols is paramount for minimizing risk on the day of the jump. The first action is to provide full disclosure of the asthma condition and medication status to the tandem instructor and the drop zone staff. This information allows the team to be aware of the potential medical situation and plan accordingly for the entire sequence.
A proactive medication protocol should be established before boarding the aircraft. The physician usually recommends using the rescue inhaler as a preventative measure 15 to 30 minutes before reaching the planned exit altitude. This pre-treatment helps maximally open the airways before exposure to the cold, low-pressure environment.
The rescue inhaler must remain accessible throughout the ascent, freefall, and parachute ride; it cannot be stored in a luggage pocket. In a tandem jump, the instructor typically carries the inhaler in a secure, easily reachable pocket on their person. This ensures immediate access should an unexpected event occur, and the instructor must be informed exactly where the device is located.
Individuals must be prepared to postpone or cancel the jump if their respiratory status is not optimal on the morning of the jump. Signs that warrant rescheduling include increased nighttime coughing, recent use of the rescue inhaler beyond normal frequency, or the presence of a cold or upper respiratory infection. High pollen counts or significant air quality alerts should also serve as a reason for postponement, as these can heighten airway sensitivity.