Can I dive if I have asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs and this is cause for concern while scuba diving.  When as asthmatic has an attack, this inflammation can cause air to become trapped in the lungs which poses a risk when diving because should there be air trapped inside the lungs of a diver, this air will increase in pressure and can cause barotraumas, a rupture of the airway.  It is also common for asthmatics to have an increased risk of an asthma attack during physical activity, which increases the risk while diving.  Asthmatics should always consult their physician to obtain a clearance to dive.  Depending on the severity of their asthma and whether they can pass a physical examination and a spirometry test, the doctor will be able to advise on whether or not they should dive.  Any diver who has had asthma attacks and required the use of an inhaler within a few days of a dive should not dive.