Vikas Yadav Vikas Yadav Asked 9 months ago

Can you join the army with asthma?

I'm very keen on joining the army and have been preparing for it physically. However, I have mild asthma. I'm concerned if this might prevent me from being accepted. Can you join the army with asthma?

15

15 answers

Aditya Goel Aditya Goel Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago
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I track my running and blood oxygen levels daily on my smartwatch, and even a slight drop in VO2 max makes training tough. The army training is way more intense than a gym workout. If you have active asthma, their physical drills will be very risky for your lungs.

Meenakshi Sundaram Meenakshi Sundaram Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

Generally speaking, the army has very strict medical standards regarding respiratory conditions. If you haven't had an attack in many years and don't use inhalers, they might consider it. I suggest getting a spirometry test done to check your current lung status.

Sneha Roy Sneha Roy Joined May 2026 5 months ago

I also wanted to ask if childhood asthma is treated the same way? I haven't used any inhaler since I was ten years old. Will they still reject me during the physical exam?

Harish Patel Harish Patel Joined Mar 2026 8 months ago

Before you spend money on traveling to selection camps and buying prep materials, get a basic lung function test at a local government lab. It costs very little and will give you a clear idea if your lungs are actually fit for the army.

Rahul Sen Rahul Sen Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

Medical criteria for defense services are non-negotiable for safety reasons. Even if your symptoms seem mild to you, the extreme weather and physical stress of the army can trigger an episode. Please consult a pulmonologist to understand your clinical status first.

Priyank Shah Priyank Shah Joined May 2026 6 months ago

Actually yaar, if you need an inhaler even once a month, they will not take you. The physical tests are brutal and they can't risk anyone having a sudden attack on the field. Don't hide it, it is not worth the risk.

Jaspreet Singh Jaspreet Singh Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

My friend got rejected last year during the medical round because of his asthma history. They are super strict about chest clear tests and spirometry. If your condition is active, look for other career options, bro.

Ananya Hegde Ananya Hegde Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

I can understand how disappointing this must be if you are preparing hard. But the training involves running in dusty areas and cold climates which are classic triggers. Your health and safety should always be your top priority.

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Consult a pulmonologist

Rajiv Khanna Rajiv Khanna Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

Haan, rules to kafi strict hain boss. Army physical tests are not child's play, and if you get an attack during high-altitude postings, life-saving help can be far, na. So they usually don't take any chances with asthma.

Amit Sharma Amit Sharma Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Arre, army drills will make even people with perfect lungs gasp for air! If you have actual asthma, you'll be searching for your inhaler on day one. Better to look at civilian desk jobs in defense where you can work comfortably.

Vikram Rathore Vikram Rathore Joined May 2026 5 months ago

I recently had a bad bout of bronchitis that felt like asthma, and even running a kilometer became impossible. Thankfully, my lungs cleared up. If you have chronic asthma, the intense dust and running in army camps will be very difficult to handle.

Shalini Misra Shalini Misra Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

I used to panic thinking my minor wheezing would stop me from doing anything active. But with proper care and lifestyle changes, my breathing became totally normal. If your asthma was just a childhood phase, you might still have a chance with a waiver.

Rita Phukan Rita Phukan Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Please don't believe any online claims that say 'cure your asthma in 10 days to join the army'. Only an official military medical board can evaluate your fitness. Get a genuine lung function test from a certified hospital before proceeding.

Acharya Baldev Acharya Baldev Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

Pranayama and deep breathing like Anulom Vilom can strengthen your lungs over time, but they cannot magically bypass army medical rules. Dedicate time to healing your lungs first, and let the medical officers take the final decision.

Karan Malhotra Karan Malhotra Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

I always encourage people to do breathing exercises and light jogging to build up lung stamina. However, the army requires elite physical conditioning. If your doctor approves, you can try cardiorespiratory training, but don't push yourself if you feel breathless.

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