Rohan Jadhav Rohan Jadhav Asked 9 months ago

Can you go into the military with asthma?

I've always dreamed of joining the Indian Army, but I was diagnosed with mild asthma as a child. I still use an inhaler occasionally, especially with allergies. Would having asthma prevent me from being eligible to join the military?

12

12 answers

Neha Deshmukh Neha Deshmukh Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago
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I have severe asthma and once had a life-threatening attack during a simple dusty outdoor trek. Military training is a hundred times more intense. Please get a complete pulmonary function test and consult a specialist to understand your lung capacity before applying.

Rohan Bhatia Rohan Bhatia Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Joining the military requires insane physical fitness, which might be super tough with asthma. I get breathless just walking to the sweet shop for hot jalebis! But seriously, military training in extreme cold or dust can trigger severe attacks, so they are very strict about it.

Abhilash Mishra Abhilash Mishra Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

I once hid a minor breathing issue to participate in a college sports selection and ended up collapsing on the field. It was a massive mistake. Never hide your medical history, especially for the military. Get a proper lung checkup done.

Abhishek Nair Abhishek Nair Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

I tried for the NDA exams a few years back and some guys with mild asthma history were rejected during the medical board rounds. They run detailed spirometry tests. If you have active wheezing, it is better to look at other career options.

Sanjay Dutt Sanjay Dutt Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

Seedhi baat hai bhai, active asthma hai toh military wale medical test mein reject kar denge. Wahan ki training bohot mushkil hoti hai aur life ka sawaal hota hai. Apni health ko khatre mein mat daalo, koi aur career option dekho.

Satish Kamat Satish Kamat Joined Mar 2026 8 months ago

At my age, climbing two flights of stairs makes me wheeze, so the military is out of the question for me! But for young folks, military doctors are very strict. If you have history of using inhalers, they will likely find out during medicals.

Siddharth Sen Siddharth Sen Joined Mar 2026 8 months ago

The military has very rigid guidelines regarding pulmonary health because of the high altitudes and extreme environments our soldiers face. The best approach is to get a formal opinion from a pulmonologist and review the official military medical standards document.

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Consult a pulmonologist

Anchal Saxena Anchal Saxena Joined May 2026 6 months ago

I totally get it, wanting to serve the country is a beautiful dream and it must feel really disappointing to worry about your asthma holding you back. Please take care of your health first, as your safety and well-being are what matter the most.

Suman Agrawal Suman Agrawal Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Just like managing diabetes requires a highly disciplined diet to avoid complications, military service requires absolute physical readiness. If you have chronic breathing issues, the rigorous physical drills could be dangerous. Speak to a doctor about managing your lungs first.

Amit Trivedi Amit Trivedi Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Don't believe anyone online saying you can hide your asthma or cure it with some home remedies before the physical test. The military medical examination is highly advanced and thorough. Consult an official military doctor or board specialist to verify your eligibility.

Rupa Malhotra Rupa Malhotra Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

In most defense forces, a history of asthma after a certain age is a standard medical ground for rejection. This is for your own safety because access to emergency inhalers in active combat zones is impossible. You can explore other non-combat or civil service roles to serve the nation.

Vikram Sen Vikram Sen Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

To be direct, active asthma is generally a disqualifying medical condition for the Indian Armed Forces. The physical strain, high-altitude postings, and combat environments make it highly risky. Check the official medical eligibility criteria on the recruitment portal.

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