## Who Should Not Scuba Dive?
Scuba diving is an exciting and rewarding activity, but it’s not for everyone. There are a number of medical conditions and other factors that can make scuba diving unsafe or even dangerous.
### Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions can make scuba diving dangerous, including:
Asthma: Asthma can cause sudden attacks of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. These attacks can be triggered by cold water, exertion, or even stress. If you have asthma, it’s important to see your doctor before scuba diving to make sure it’s safe for you.
COPD: COPD is a chronic lung disease that causes shortness of breath and wheezing. Like asthma, COPD can be triggered by cold water, exertion, or stress. If you have COPD, it’s important to see your doctor before scuba diving to make sure it’s safe for you.
Heart disease: Heart disease can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke while scuba diving. If you have heart disease, it’s important to see your doctor before scuba diving to make sure it’s safe for you.
Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can cause seizures. Seizures can occur without warning and can be dangerous while scuba diving. If you have epilepsy, it’s important to see your doctor before scuba diving to make sure it’s safe for you.
Diabetes: Diabetes can cause a drop in blood sugar levels, which can lead to dizziness, confusion, and seizures. If you have diabetes, it’s important to see your doctor before scuba diving to make sure it’s safe for you.
### Other Factors
There are also a number of other factors that can make scuba diving unsafe, including:
Age: Scuba diving is not recommended for children under the age of 10. Children’s bodies are not fully developed and they may not be able to withstand the pressure changes and other hazards of scuba diving.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women should not scuba dive. Scuba diving can put stress on the fetus and can increase the risk of miscarriage.
Alcohol: Alcohol can impair your judgment and coordination. It’s important to avoid alcohol before and after scuba diving.
Drugs: Some drugs can impair your judgment and coordination. It’s important to avoid using drugs before and after scuba diving.
Smoking: Smoking can damage your lungs and increase your risk of developing respiratory problems. It’s important to avoid smoking before and after scuba diving.
### If you have any of the following conditions, you should not scuba dive:
A lung condition, such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD
A heart condition, such as a heart attack or stroke
A neurological condition, such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis
A mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety
A blood clotting disorder
A history of decompression sickness
### If you are unsure whether or not you should scuba dive, talk to your doctor.
### Conclusion
Scuba diving is a safe and enjoyable activity, but it’s important to be aware of the risks. If you have any of the medical conditions or other factors listed above, you should not scuba dive. Talk to your doctor to find out if scuba diving is safe for you.