An autoimmune disease is one in which the body's own immune system actually attacks itself. The immune system of an individual affected by an autoimmune disease is overactive and actually mistakes the bodies own cells as a pathogen and, as a result, attacks these cells, causing damage and making it difficult for the body to function properly. This can affect various organs and tissues in the body, such as the joints, the liver, thyroid, and lungs. There are literally dozens of autoimmune diseases and some of the most commonly known include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis.
There are two issues when it comes to diving with autoimmune diseases. The first issue results from the symptoms of the disease itself. Generally, autoimmune diseases cause a great amount of pain and many often limit the range of motion for certain body parts. They can also cause major fatigue, visual problems, problems walking, and even depression and mood swings. Some autoimmune diseases even affect the pulmonary system. Any and all of these symptoms can cause problems when diving.
The main treatment for autoimmune diseases is the use of immunosuppressive medications which are designed to suppress the ability of the immune system so that it is less active and cannot attack the body to damage and destroy cells as it would do normally. However, there is a high risk to divers when diving while taking immunosuppressants since these medications often decrease the function of the immune system leaving the individual susceptible to infection from bacteria and or viruses. The marine environment, whether salt water or fresh water, is full of bacteria and viruses, many of which are new to a diver. Those people who are taking immunosuppressants are at a much higher risk of getting an infection and becoming ill from anything that they may encounter in the water.
When it comes to how diving actually affects the disease, there is no evidence that diving negatively affects any autoimmune disease. In fact, the opposite has been reported in many cases. Divers who have autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus have reported an improvement in their symptoms after diving. They actually experience much relief and have made scuba diving a regular part of their lives. For instance, many individuals with rheumatoid arthritis have experienced relief due to the weightlessness of being underwater, which takes the pressure off the joints. Of course, the proper precautions must be taken to ensure that the person with the autoimmune disease is safe and they may require two dive buddies, depending on the severity of the condition, but diving for these individuals has been proven to be very therapeutic.
If you are not currently a diver and have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, you may want to strongly consider learning to dive for the many therapeutic effects it provides; and if you are already a diver, you will want to remain engaged in the very sport you have grown to love. For new and experienced divers alike, a doctor's permission will likely be required before diving can commence or recommence as each case will be reviewed and examined thoroughly when determining whether a person with an autoimmune disease should or should not dive.
Some people with autoimmune disease experience few or no symptoms while others often experience severe symptoms. These diseases are also generally progressive, which means that as time goes on they become worse and more debilitating. The severity and frequency of the symptoms will dictate whether or not a person can dive as well as whether or not the person will be required to take immunosuppressants. If you are unsure that scuba diving is safe for you, then you should consult with your regular physician or better yet a dive doctor to access your situation and condition. The doctor may require that you perform an exercise stress test to ensure that your heart can take the exercise load associated with diving. If you are given the green light to dive, then you can jump in the water with both feet and enjoy everything the underwater world has to offer.