Can you get into the military with asthma?
I've always dreamt of joining the Indian Army, but I had childhood asthma until I was about 10. Will this condition disqualify me? Can you get into the military with asthma?
I've always dreamt of joining the Indian Army, but I had childhood asthma until I was about 10. Will this condition disqualify me? Can you get into the military with asthma?
I also panicked during my defense exam preparations because of my childhood breathing issues. Usually, active asthma is a disqualification in the Indian Armed Forces due to extreme weather and physical stress. But don't lose hope, if it was just mild childhood asthma and you have been symptom-free for years, you might get cleared after medical tests.
Look, let's be realistic here. The military training is extremely tough and they don't compromise on lung capacity at all. If you have active asthma and need an inhaler, you will not clear the medical board. It is better to check other government career options where physical medical standards are not so strict.
While military rules are strict about medical conditions, focusing on your lung health is very important anyway. Try avoiding cold foods, dairy products that produce phlegm, and eat warm home-cooked meals. Pranayama can also help improve your breathing naturally, though military selection has its own strict medical rules.
The rules for military entry are very specific and can change depending on the rank and category. I would suggest going to a reputed pulmonologist at a major hospital to get a proper pulmonary function test done. Take those reports and show them to a retired military doctor who can guide you on the exact medical standards.
Military medical examinations are extremely thorough, just like how they check for chronic conditions like diabetes or high BP. If you have active asthma, they will catch it during the spirometry/lung function test. Focus on managing your health first and get a proper diagnosis from a civil doctor before applying.
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