I have been in the Army 10 years and was just told I have adult Asthma,will this affect my career?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 08:00:29 -0500

I have never had any previous health issues and can still run a 16 minute 2 mile

Response by SPC William Del Valle made Nov 10 at 2015 8:08 AM

SPC William Del Valle — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 08:08:19 -0500

Are you still able to pass your PT test? If yes then no, you will be ok but just make sure you take your meds.

Response by SPC William Del Valle made Nov 10 at 2015 8:22 AM

SPC William Del Valle — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 08:22:05 -0500

If I was you I would ask for a allergy test if you haven't already. Sometimes being allergic to something will trigger asthma and as long as you have the right medicine you will do just fine. People with asthma are allergic to the change in weather and that will also trigger asthma attacks. Right now I am all the meds to treat asthma and if I miss a dose I won't have a good day, I take A nasal spray that helps to breathe better. The nasal spray clears up your nasal passage so that you can breath better.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 8:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 08:59:31 -0500

well, i sure hope not, good luck.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 10 at 2015 9:02 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 09:02:02 -0500

As long as you can meet the medical and physical fitness centers it should be no bearing on your career.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 11:25 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 11:25:19 -0500

I would think (but please don't hold me to this) that as long as you can pass your PT tests and meet height and weight standards that it should not be a problem. A friend of mine who is a Amateur Muay Thai fighter got diagnosed with the same thing. Good luck to you I wish you well.

Response by CW3 Jim Norris made Nov 10 at 2015 11:47 AM

CW3 Jim Norris — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 11:47:37 -0500

Shouldn't

Response by SFC Scott Parkhurst made Nov 11 at 2015 6:02 PM

SFC Scott Parkhurst — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 18:02:48 -0500

It shouldn't. I would think maybe you would might be given an inhaler maybe? But ask your MD if this is "exercise induced asthma?" Does this only happen after you run? Do you cough after a run or stress? But I highly think that this wouldn't effect your career. I hope not. I was a Master Fitness in my Unit for many years along with my normal MOS's and I never had seen a Soldier get dismissed with his or her asthma (depending of course how bad it is, but it doesn't sound like your is very serious?) Good luck.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2016 11:56 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 11:56:41 -0400

It depends. If it ever affects your mission readiness (ie. profile) then it can be an issue. It can also show up to haunt you if you ever try to comission, get a warrant, or apply to some very "special" schools as it is a 40-501 disqualifying condition. Other than that once you're in, you're in. It shouldn't be a problem.
I am very hesitant to diagnose asthma to children or adults due to this potentially being such a career altering diagnosis. I will usually attribute it symptoms (especially in adults) to an acute bronchitis. If it is truly asthma and it is well controlled though then I wouldn't think it would give you too much of a problem.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2016 7:59 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 19:59:01 -0400

There is a big difference between Acute and Chronic Asthema..if you are knocking out 8 minute miles...I would assume that this is likely an acute condition and maybe you had a sensitivity to grass or some other allergen that caused a broncho spasm...that likely spooked the hell out of you and you gone to see your Physician....for the most part..this was aquired while on Active Duty and generally will be managed by your PCM or Pulmonologist. LT Crowder said it best,,,Chronic Asthema that effects your PT Performance would be of the biggest concern...Chronic Asthema probably carries a 3 on the PULHES and would start a med board....but if this is just an issolated occurance...and can be managed with medications...it is likely it would carry a 2 on your PULHES and you can continue to serve, but may restrict you from some opportunities. It is likely from your description you will likely have to carry an emergency albuterol inhaler and only use it if you have an attack.