I have asthma and had it since birth. I am looking at joining the National Guard or Army Reserves. I am about to graduate college and want to serve my country. I have read about several people who have gotten into the Guard (legally) and have even been given inhalers. Anybody who can tell how this can happen without just telling me it is a PDQ and reading a packet that only half answers questions?...tired of getting the run around. I do not forsee my asthma affecting my ability to serve...my doctor even told me that, and he is a pulmonologist that specializes in asthma. I can understand someone who has an attack all the time, but I have not had one since I was like 10 or 11. And it is not like if we get stuck without my inhaler I would die or put my team in jeapardy(sp?). It is just a moderater and my asthma is def under control. Besides I can think of a lot worse that could happen to a slodier...like an aneurism or pumonary adema.
Any ideas?
Please help, really want to serve.
2007-12-07 17:28:22 · 11 answers · asked by Lancer 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Straight up? Lie.... or you will never get in! Know people (Australia) who did it and honestly, they learned to live with the moral dilemma and have served their country well. It sucks, I know, but thats the crazy world we live in. You also need to think about where you should work- I mean, if it is exercise induced asthma you might want to give special forces a miss. Good Luck!
2007-12-07 20:17:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Asthma is an allergy and is triggered by something. The best non medication treatment for asthma is learning your triggers and avoiding them. Common triggers are smoke, dust, mold, mildew, plants, dust mites, pets and grass/weeds.
If you can not figure our your triggers, you may need to see an allergist and have allergy screening done. This may point out your triggers.
The National Asthma Prevention Program and the Expert Panel of Diagnosis and Management of Asthma both agree if you have to use a prescription inhaler such as albuterol more then two time per week, your asthma is NOT in control and you will need a prescription controller medication.
Controller medications are steroids (Asthmacort Asthmanex, Flovent, Pulmocort), Leukotriene modifier (Singulair, Aculade, Zyflo) or mast cell stabilizers (Cromolyn sodium, Intal, Tilade).
You may want to talk to your doctor about several strong controller medications and maybe Xolair shots.
If you want a proven, all-natural way to cure your asthma, without having to pay for useless medications with harmful side-effects, then this is the most important page you'll ever read.
2016-05-14 19:39:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had terrible asthma as a kid and just stated no asthma on my military application. I had not had an attack or symptoms since I was 12, so I did not figure it to be relevant. Besides, if you are diagnosed with asthma in the Military, you are not kicked out, you are given an inhaler and a case for disability when you retire.
I applaud you wanting to be honest, but the military will not be honest with you. It is a game, so you play it. Don't tell them.
They are not going to search for your medical records from when you were a kid (unless you are trying to fly). Plus, today, they are accepting criminals. What does that tell you about the demand for service members? It means they will overlook a lot.
Good luck and appreciate you wanting to serve us. Wish you the best!
2007-12-07 17:36:33 · answer #3 · answered by Robert C 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your own doctor or their's can assess your numbers and determine if your general condition is adequate. There are sedentary jobs they need to fill, too. Truly, your body will speak for itself and its then up to the Army Med staff to make the decision. Just be up front so you stay out of trouble. If you later develop worse conditions, you'll get their best attention, and probably be able to hang in. A medical discharge usually carries compensatiry monetary assistance.
2007-12-07 17:43:16 · answer #4 · answered by te144 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just the thought that you want to serve warms my heart. I'm a Viet-Nam vet and my son returned from Iraq in May of this year. I realize that I'm not answering your question directly, but just wanted to say thank you for wanting to serve. You will find allot of your friends will have a new found respect for your wanting to have this passion to serve your country. When you finally have the privilege to wear the uniform of our armed forces, you wear it with pride. God bless and good luck with your venture.
2007-12-07 17:39:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you haven't had asthma attacks for that long, and your doctor says that it won't affect you, you can get your doctor to write that in a note and give it to them when you go to MEPS. If he's a specialist, they'll probably listen to him.
You COULD just leave out that you have asthma...but they'll go through your doctor's records (they went through mine) and they'll say, hmm...get a letter from your doctor. If you have a specialist, they'll find that out quickly.
2007-12-07 17:33:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Asthma past age 12 is disqualifying for entry into the armed forces.
2007-12-07 17:35:35 · answer #7 · answered by desertviking_00 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
It depends on how bad it will be. In basic, you're going to be outside a-lot, and if your asama acts up, you might not get in. You could always get a waiver though. EDIT: I guess with an inhaler, no. Now I know too.
2016-04-08 01:09:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
here is the best general answer, dont tell them about your problems. if they find out, then they kick you out
2007-12-07 17:30:58 · answer #9 · answered by Jopa 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My husband did, but because of it, he strugles with his run time..
2007-12-07 17:48:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋