Allergy and Asthma restrictions

J

Jdswiney

5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2013
Messages
3
I have a history of asthma and allergies since my childhood. But as a 17 year old, I haven't had an asthma attack in over four years, and my allergies continue to improve with allergy shots. I consider myself to have grown out of asthma, as I play football and varsity soccer without any issues. I have also almost beaten all of my allergies.

Will these cause issues in my medical examination?? I appreciate all responses and input. Thank you!
 
I believe asthma will be cause for DQ. You will need to receive medical waiver.
 
Only a DODMERB physical results can tell you but I would be prepared to hear bad news.

Shipboard fires are a regular occurrence as well as very realistic shipboard fire fighting schools that all Naval personnel go through. A person with compromised lungs due allergies & asthma caught in a rapidly smoke-filling compartment will be struggling for actual life itself before anybody else and, instead of being able to take charge of a fire fighting detail as an officer, will be the first casualty. A turn-down may well be a life saver for an allergy/asthma candidate. Sorry. I don't know how the other services view the problem.
 
Our Experience with Asthma

I can only relate our experience with asthma. DS had some episodes of asthma early childhood (prior to age 12), but used an inhaler very infrequently and not after age 12. After DodMerb DQ, we proactively asked his Dr. to conduct a spirometry test, which he passed with flying colors. We sent in letter from Dr and a copy of his medical records and his DQ was changed to "qualified". You should look on the DodMerb forum and search "asthma" threads - you will find differing stories, but they seem to revolve around the asthma having resolved itself prior to age 12 or 13 and not having used an inhaler after that age. Be prepared for additional paperwork - obtain a copy of your medical records prior to filling out the medical history questionairre, and be prepared for additional paperwork.
 
Jdswiney said:
I have a history of asthma and allergies since my childhood. But as a 17 year old, I haven't had an asthma attack in over four years, and my allergies continue to improve with allergy shots. I consider myself to have grown out of asthma, as I play football and varsity soccer without any issues. I have also almost beaten all of my allergies.

Will these cause issues in my medical examination?? I appreciate all responses and input. Thank you!
Click to expand...

As other posters have said, each case is individual and may have different results when presented to DoDMERB (you could be DQ'd outright and wait for a waiver OR a remedial could be requested, which means more paperwork and/or testing on your part). I think the big issue with asthma is being treated for it after age 13. Having said that, there are exceptions, my DS being one of them. I think your bigger issue may be that you have allergies and are currently getting allergy shots. So, don't stop taking your meds/allergy shots without discussing this with your doctor first. You may want to get a copy of your medical records. Be prepared for the DQ and start the process early since waivers and remedials take take to process. Good luck!

Oh, and read through every post on this forum re. asthma/allergies, including the ones I posted re. the methacholine challenge. :smile:
 
Jdswiney said:
I have a history of asthma and allergies since my childhood. But as a 17 year old, I haven't had an asthma attack in over four years, and my allergies continue to improve with allergy shots. I consider myself to have grown out of asthma, as I play football and varsity soccer without any issues. I have also almost beaten all of my allergies.

Will these cause issues in my medical examination?? I appreciate all responses and input. Thank you!
Click to expand...


Every situation is unique, but if this is something you want I say apply and be prepared to demonstrate that you are not a risk to yourself or your fellow midshipmen. Your scenario is very similar to my son's situation. He was originally disqualified by the Medical Review Board (DODMERB) but subsequently received waivers. In our case, we had our private physician do spirometry exams (these were normal) and we submitted that information when we submitted "ALL Medical Records After Age 13". When USNA requested a waiver, DODMERB requested remedials which included more medical records AND the methacholine challenge. We went to the DODMERB's contract Dr. who conducted the methacholine test and wrote a narrative of his findings. Our son was granted a waiver.
 
goldtrim3 said:
Every situation is unique, but if this is something you want I say apply and be prepared to demonstrate that you are not a risk to yourself or your fellow midshipmen. Your scenario is very similar to my son's situation. He was originally disqualified by the Medical Review Board (DODMERB) but subsequently received waivers. In our case, we had our private physician do spirometry exams (these were normal) and we submitted that information when we submitted "ALL Medical Records After Age 13". When USNA requested a waiver, DODMERB requested remedials which included more medical records AND the methacholine challenge. We went to the DODMERB's contract Dr. who conducted the methacholine test and wrote a narrative of his findings. Our son was granted a waiver.
Click to expand...

I forgot to mention that his allergies were basically seasonal (grass, pollen) and are controlled with zyrtec.
 
There is a HUGE difference b/c seasonal allergies and asthma. Lots of people have seasonal allergies and, as a general rule, it isn't an issue.

Asthma is something else entirely. Symptoms, medication, etc. over age 13 will be a DQ. If you truly have adult asthma, waivers are EXTREMELY rare. If tests demonstrate you don't actually have asthma, your chances for a waiver obviously improve greatly.
 
Are any of the DS or DD continuing to take allergy shots at the USNA?
Gasman
 
My Mom bought one once when there was a fire in our area and she still uses it and says it helps a lot with her seasonal allergies. It's called IQ Air. She researched it and it is the best
 
Oh yeah, and she bought IQ Air purifier from allergy buyers club.com. Also dust mite proof covers on pillows and mattresses is a good idea, soft kind not the plastic yucky ones. She gets those from missionallergy.com
 
IQ Air purifiers recommended by the American Lung Association and it is said that 90% of all airborne particles are ultrafine and this HEPA purifier filters these. As my daughter stated, I did a lot of research, originally purchasing for smoke- but later found my neighbor, who has significant asthma was instructed by her pulmonologist to buy an IQ Air. It works well for my seasonal allergies!!!
 
Jeff1 said:
Thank you for the reply Zandercott. One more question that do air purifiers remove all the harmful particles in our entire room like a vacuum cleaner works? I mean is the machine able to draw in all the bad stuff in our room? I'm confused between what I've read and what I see in the advertisements.
Click to expand...

It's been so many years ago I purchased the IQ Air, but all I know is the thing works! I remember the website had a nice video explaining it. But yes, just like a good quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, works kinda like that. Go to IQ Air website and good luck! Get the family some of the dust mite proof bedding covers too.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top