Update: Can I still be DQ'd?

[Jarhead713]

So, I posted a thread a while ago about worries about my asthma. I just wanted to post an update with my new information to see if it helps me at all:

So, I talked to my mom this morning and found out I was never formerly diagnosed with Asthma, it was just triggered by what my family refers to as "The Draino Incident" of 2005 (or 2004 I can't remember). Afterwards my asthma would be triggered by allergies. But still, I was never formally diagnosed, meaning it was never written down anywhere.

The purpose of my inhaler was for my allergies, which could trigger mild asthma...? Not sure how since I was never formerly diagnosed. When I was a kid the only other time it was ever triggered was when I had forgotten to take my medicine.

I take singulair (prescribed) and zyrtec (OTC) which prevent allergy attacks.

I can't remember the last time I used my inhaler, it's been years and years. But like a true boy scout I keep it in my backpack to be prepared. I'm a three year varsity letterman and powerlifter. I exercise 6 out of 7 days a week and have never had trouble breathing.

I know asthma is something you can grow out of. If that's the case, does that help me?

In fact, does ANY of the above information help my cause?

 

[NJROTC-CC]

DoDI 6130.03, March 30, 2018 Lists the following as disqualifying conditions:

e. History of airway hyper responsiveness including asthma, reactive airway disease, exercise-induced bronchospasm or asthmatic bronchitis, after the 13th birthday.

(1) Symptoms suggestive of airway hyper responsiveness include but are not limited to cough, wheeze, chest tightness, dyspnea or functional exercise limitations after the 13th birthday.

(2) History of prescription or use of medication (including but not limited to inhaled or oral corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, or any beta agonists)
for airway hyper responsiveness after the 13th birthday.

 

[THParent]

...I was never formerly diagnosed with Asthma...Afterwards my asthma would be triggered by allergies...But still, I was never formally diagnosed, meaning it was never written down anywhere...The purpose of my inhaler was for my allergies...Not sure how since I was never formerly diagnosed...When I was a kid the only other time it was ever triggered was when I had forgotten to take my medicine...

If you were never diagnosed and it was never reported anywhere, you officially don't have asthma. It sounds like you do (or did), have asthma.

...I take singulair (prescribed)...

If a medical doctor prescribed Singulair (Montelukast is used regularly to prevent the wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma and decrease the number of asthma attacks. This medication is also used to relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis such as sneezing, stuffy/runny/itchy nose) then there was a diagnosis written down, in your record. It was either for asthma or allergies, or both. You need to get a hold of that record.

...I can't remember the last time I used my inhaler, it's been years and years...

That's good, and a good thing for you to tell DoDMERB.

 

[Overwhelmed]

When was your last inhaler prescribed?
DS hadn't used his either but the automatic refill proved problematic.

 

[justdoit19]

If you were never diagnosed and it was never reported anywhere, you officially don't have asthma. It sounds like you do (or did), have asthma.

If a medical doctor prescribed Singulair (Montelukast is used regularly to prevent the wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma and decrease the number of asthma attacks. This medication is also used to relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis such as sneezing, stuffy/runny/itchy nose) then there was a diagnosis written down, in your record. It was either for asthma or allergies, or both. You need to get a hold of that record.

That's good, and a good thing for you to tell DoDMERB.

Bingo. Get your records. Then you will know. Moms don’t know what doctors actually record (what box is checked for insurance purposes, for example) either.

True story: when my oldest was a child, dealing with normal childhood illnesses, a treatment for him was to try an albuterol inhaler for one particular ‘cold’. Dr Pete said he was having ‘asthmatic tendencies’. I inquired more. Basically, DR Pete went on to explain that his airways were reacting similar to asthma. He still believed he had a viral cold. My question was ‘so he has asthma’?

I will never forget this, it was such a good lesson: “no we don’t want to diagnose him with a condition. Because that will follow him the rest of his life. It will always be a pre-existing condition”. That piece of advice has turned out to be VERY good! Through raising 4 kids we have been conservative in discussing “checking a box” diagnosis. Let’s give xxx a try and see if it works first kind of stuff.

 

[mrfritz44]

If I were a parent helping with the SA application process again, and I will be with my son, I would by default request a copy of my child's entire medical record. It's your responsibility to know everything there is to know about your medical conditions, past and present and knowing what's in your record makes the DODMERB process easier.

 

[Impulsive]

IMHO, I would ask myself, "if I could not have or use any meds would I be fine to perform strenuous or long exercise periods"? You can answer the DoDMERB questionnaire any way you like, but upon reporting to any SA, they will take everything your bring, meds, phones, clothes, just about everything. So you will not have access to your meds for at least 6 weeks in the heat of the summer. If you are unable to meet the physical requirements of the initial training, you will likely be separated at some point. Honesty is always the best policy, it does not do any good to go thru the process, get appointed, only to be separated during initial training. You don't say how old you are, but if you are a sohomore, talk to your doc about allergy immunizations. They do a prick test with a whole bunch of different small needles on your back and if any of them react then that identifies your allergies, and then you can get a series of shots over a 12 month period that builds up your resistance to those things that cause your allergic reaction. Our DS had bad allergies (to grass it turned out) when he was maybe 10-13, our family doc recommended the immunotherapy shots. DS has had NO allergies for the last maybe 5 years at all. They worked REALLY well!

Even if you get DQ'd, there is always the Waiver option, different Branches have different requirements, as do the different ROTC options. Don't give up, fight through this if you truly want to attend a SA or ROTC program. You won't know till you try..

 

[Humey]

Arent you going to run into another issue. Yes you dont have asthma but now you have allergies. That might be better.
I googled Singuliar and it says "Montelukast is used regularly to prevent the wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma and decrease the number of asthma attacks." So even if you are only using it for allergies, the description says it is for asthma so i have to imagine that is going to work against you. Just like using an inhaler because you got sick and are wheezing (not related to asthma), it is going to look bad which I think is BS as you should be able to use any types of medicine regardless what it was originally intended it for. Its like getting DQ for hypertension becaue you use Viagra which was originally created for hypertension.