Do I have exercise-induced asthma?

Well, I started considering joining the military about a week ago, and figured I better start working out so that I could pass basic training more easily (if I decide to join).  I knew I would have a tough time at first because I haven't had much physical excersise since 9th grade (2 and a half years ago), and I have always been near the bottom of the class when it comes to running (my lungs have always burned - though I was under the impression this was normal from talking with a few classmates).  So, anyway, I started running the suggested every-other-day, but I am having a LOT of problems doing so.  Much more than I remember having in 9th grade or before.  After running for just a minute my lungs are burning, I am really out of breath (and try as I may, I can't breathe evenly!), my saliva gets really thick and when I spit it out, it's like a pinkish color.  Oh, and my breathing starts to have like a whistling sound.  I know I'm not just going too fast, as this happens even when jogging for a couple minutes, and I have tried to walk it off, and it takes about 5-10 minutes for me to feel normal again (after just 1 or 2 minutes of running/jogging!).  Then when I try again the same thing happens.  It's starting to freak me out.  But I read that asthma means you get a tight chest, and I haven't, which leads me to believe that I don't have it.  And I haven't had any "panic attacks" . . . So is all of this just because I haven't ran much for 2 1/2 years or is something actually wrong with me?  At first I figured it would go away if I kept trying, but it hasn't gotten any better...

[momtofourboys]

it very well could be my oldest has this and when he has to do any  sports he uses his inhaler. I would get it checked out so you can achieve what you want to do, and I want to wish you luck for your guture
michelle

[hava]

This will restore your breathing in 2 days, and you will be able to do a little bit more exercise each day. Start today and come back to report your progress.
Build up your timing gradually. If you feel tired or dizzy, stop and resume after 1 minute.

Anulom Vilom –
Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril  
then – close left nostril with two fingers and breath-out through right nostril  
then -keeping the left nostril closed  deep breath-in through right nostril
then - close your right nostril with thumb and breath-out through left nostril.
This is one cycle of anulom vilom.
Repeat this cycle for 15 to 30  minutes twice a day).
You can do this before breakfast/lunch/dinner or before bedtime or in bed.Remember to take deep long breaths into the lungs.You can do this while sitting on floor or chair or lying in bed.

[Jspur]

I have been in the Air Force for eight years.  Three years into my enlistment the doctors diagnosed me with exercise induced asthma and they tried to medically discharge me.  After many tests they determined I did not have asthma after all and I got to stay (luckily I had appealed it) They determined this through a test called a methacholine challenge, which is the only test to definitely prove/disprove asthma.  It turns out I was just really out of shape from not running for several years.  The Air Force used a bicycle test rather than running for the first few years I was in so I was used to that.

I recommend to continue exercising in moderation.  If the problems continues after a few months I would talk to a doc about getting that test done.  Joining the military was the best decision I ever made...good luck!

Hope that helps...

[caregiver222]

A lot depends upon the MOS (military occupational specialty) you choose.

If the diagnosis is correct you have NO business serving in a combat unit. Furthermore, you would be subject to courts martial for not revealing your medical history upon enlistment. And yes, you will be asked about a history of asthma.

Forget about basic training and "passing". In a line combat unit, such as I have served with in Vietnam, you endanger yourself and every man with you by not being able to carry 100 percent of the load.

On the other hand, in the Navy or Airforce there may be indoor positions that you might qualify for.

On ocasion the military will grant waivers if you have a specific skill they need (translators, for example)