Asthma, USMC, and MEPS?Alright, so here's the deal. When I was six I was diagnosed with asthma, and was given an albuterol inhaler. I'm now 20, and to be honest, unsure if I even have asthma on my medical records. I have wanted to be a Marine since the seventh grade, and am determined to get there. To answer the question if my inhalers have been refilled, yes, I guess, but my mom is the one who gets them. I don't show asthmatic symptoms anymore, maybe a little cough here and there when the allergy season starts, but who doesn't.
My question is, is it worth it to simply tell them no at MEPS when they ask about asthma in the past? Because I have not seen my medical records...ever, and am not hindered by asthma in any way. When I was diagnosed with asthma I started competitive swimming, and within a few months was fine. Also, what the doctor considered "asthma" was some slight wheezing one day when I was sick.
I have never had, what I have read to be, a legitimate asthma attack. I have never felt any shortness of breath, been unable to function properly, or experienced any bluing of the lips or nails. My "attacks" were a tickle in my throat, and maybe a little coughing, but I have always been more than able to continue what I am doing, and have always been able to sleep through it. I don't consider it a threat to me, as my attacks have never been exercise, nor allergen induced. To be honest I'm not sure what has prompted an attack, but I have always been able to get through them just fine.
Just an update: Talked to my mom, apparently I haven't been to the doctors for asthma related problems since the one incident when I was six...so I should be okay!
-frendchip
AS long as you have not had an attack i.e. you haven't had to use your inhaler since you where 13 then you do not have to disclose the fact you had asthma.
if you have an attack at boot camp and they find out you have a pre existing condition then you can not only be discharged but also prosecuted for lieing. so it all comes down to do you want to take that chance.
-Daniel
If you are really confident you can perform intense physical training with no risk of an asthma attack, then it would be easier to simply check no on the MEPS medical questionnaire regarding asthma. If you do admit to having asthma (even prior to age 13) then you will need a waiver in order to cleared for military service. This will mean submitting all medical documents concerning attacks and you will likely have to take a pulmonary function test (at your expense) to prove you do not still have asthma. The military will look at all your records and tests and decide whether or not to clear you. Keep in mind that even if you pass the pulmonary function test there is no guarantee the military will grant you a waiver.
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