- Asthma is a potentially life-threatening condition in which certain environmental triggers can cause airway inflammation and restriction due to thick, sticky mucus clinging to the inflamed airway passage. Depending on the severity of the attack, the sufferer may have tightness in his chest and trouble catching his breath. An attack may even create an almost total blockage in the lungs, which would prevent the sufferer from taking in any air. A number of common allergens such as dust, pollen and pet dander can trigger asthma attacks, as can breathing cool and dry air.
- In SCUBA diving, a special breathing apparatus regulates both the volume of air you can breathe and the composition of the gas mixture that comprises that air. The gas mixture released by SCUBA tanks through the breathing apparatus is generally cool and is very dry. For asthmatics with a sensitivity to cool or dry air, this can bring about an asthma attack.
- During an asthma attack, it can be difficult for the individual to get enough air. Because SCUBA tank breathing units regulate their air release, the individual could be gasping for air but unable to get the excess they need. Coughing fits can also accompany asthma attacks, and a strong coughing fit could cause the breathing apparatus to be ejected from the mouth if it is not secured. Asthma attacks underwater can also cause over-expansion of the lungs if part of the lungs are blocked. In such a case, the air sacs in the affected region of the lungs could burst as the diver ascends, resulting in a potentially fatal air embolism.
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