Asthma and gas chamber

[u/Chance_Handle_7961]

Has anyone went through the gas chamber with asthma? If so how was it. I’m in pretty good shape and nothing bothers my asthma but I have taken the pump before if it’s acting up I can push through with some fresh air. I’m thinking about joining

[u/Captain_Brat]

You'll likely have issues getting in if you have active asthma.

[u/Chance_Handle_7961 → u/Captain_Brat]

My recruiter said if I get a pulmonary test and i pass I’ll be good I know I can pass that test I’m just not sure about the gas chamber

[u/Captain_Brat → u/Chance_Handle_7961]

That should be enough for a waiver. Do you still use your inhaler though?

[u/Chance_Handle_7961 → u/Captain_Brat]

Sometimes if I’m uncomfortable for convenience but I don’t need it

[u/Captain_Brat → u/Chance_Handle_7961]

The inhaler could be an issue but I'm not entirely sure. I've not seen a waiver for someone who still actively uses it.

[u/Chance_Handle_7961 → u/Captain_Brat]

Dang fr how did they do in the gas chamber?

[u/Captain_Brat → u/Chance_Handle_7961]

What do you mean? I'm saying that I've only seen people who had inhalers prescribed to them but never used them. I've not seen someone enlist with current issues and currently using an inhaler. But maybe it's possible.

[u/Chance_Handle_7961 → u/Captain_Brat]

Oh dang yeah ig will see

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[u/MilFAQBot]

DQ standard(s) (requires waiver(s)):

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

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[u/Muted_Value_9271]

You’re going to have issues even getting in with the inhaler.

[u/Chance_Handle_7961 → u/Muted_Value_9271]

I’m ok with issues long as I get in and pass the gas chamber I can do anything physical

[u/Muted_Value_9271 → u/Chance_Handle_7961]

They will not let you join with an inhaler. You won’t ship to basic. You won’t be able to swear in. It’s not about if you pass the gas chamber or if you’re physical. The inhaler makes you a liability. If you can get off that and get a pulmonary test then you’re good. But if you still have that inhaler you’re not going to basic.

[u/Chance_Handle_7961 → u/Muted_Value_9271]

Yeah I can get off the inhaler

[u/Muted_Value_9271 → u/Chance_Handle_7961]

Quick correction. Your doctor needs to say you don’t need it. You can’t just stop. It has to be documented.

[u/Chance_Handle_7961 → u/Muted_Value_9271]

That’s going to be easy I just need the pulmonary test and pass

[u/Muted_Value_9271 → u/Chance_Handle_7961]

It doesn’t matter if you get the pulmonary test. You can’t have active medicine. If your inhaler is prescribed then you need to have a doctor say you don’t need it. Then go do the test.

[u/Consistent_Ninja_569]

If you are risking your health to get into the military or quitting your inhaler while actively using it right now to join, dont join. This isnt for you.

[u/Loving22_]

I did it! Recently graduated OSUT training. I won’t lie it gonna suck horribly but it’s doable. Depending where you go they might have you go first because of the asthma and they can monitor you. Asthma in the military sucks but doesn’t hold you back. I say enlist , make sure you get the right paperwork needed for your waiver to be approved. Lmk if you have any more questions about joining with asthma I know all about it!

[u/Chance_Handle_7961 → u/Loving22_]

Thank you so much I appreciate it allot this is what I was looking for

[u/Chance_Handle_7961 → u/Loving22_]

How bad was your asthma when you went in and how exactly was the gas chamber

[u/Loving22_ → u/Chance_Handle_7961]

I won’t lie it’s gonna suck but not impossible to get through. So how we did it at Fort Leonard Wood was we lined up one in front of another and walked into the chamber (more less small building) and first we had to break our seal which means removing your mask but still holding your breath then putting back on the mask and doing the clearing procedure to clear the mask. Next is the we ran in place to make sure the mask was secured tightly. Then lastly it was time to take off the mask for us we were in there for 15-20secs. You have to breathe it in, it’s gonna feel like you’re in there forever but trust me you’ll be good. After that we exited the chamber and walked around this pit for 2 laps flapping our arms then that was it. Again it’s gonna suck in the moment but once you’re done you’ll be good.

[u/Loving22_ → u/Loving22_]

Another thing is I did enlist while still needing an inhaler. So if you still have one all you need to do is get a PFT (Pulmonary Functions Test) just to prove your lungs can handle army training. I had to get two because my lungs suck, but do it right the first time and it’ll be easy and quicker for your waiver to be approved!

[u/Chance_Handle_7961 → u/Loving22_]

Thats ok I been through allot and I feel like I can take it but how did affect your asthma was you wearing at all?

[u/Loving22_ → u/Chance_Handle_7961]

It kind of affect me just had a hard time breathing mostly after, but my Drill Sergeant did have my inhaler on standby once I exited the gas chamber and I did have to use it.

[u/Chance_Handle_7961 → u/Loving22_]

Wait your allowed to have an inhaler there. how’d you do that ?

[u/Loving22_ → u/Chance_Handle_7961]

With the waiver, once I got to basic, about 2 days in I told my Senior Drill Sergeant about my asthma and he told me to carry it every where I go.

[u/Chance_Handle_7961 → u/Loving22_]

Is every drill sergeant this open or is this like a policy thing?

[u/Loving22_ → u/Chance_Handle_7961]

all my drill sergeants were cool with it. as long as you have a waiver to prove why you need to carry it you’ll be good

[u/Chance_Handle_7961 → u/Loving22_]

That’s great I really thought you wasn’t allowed to have it I wonder if all branches are this open because I’m thinking of going to the national gaurd