I found out today I may have asthma. I was intending to pursue a career as driver and want to know if this is a disqualifying condition. If it is not a disqualifying condition, will most carriers hire a driver who is being treated for asthma. I don't want to pursue something I may not be fully qualified to do. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
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Tightrope,
Feel free to pursue your chosen profession. Asthma, in itself, is not a disqualifying factor. But just to be sure, have the diagnosing physician write you a statement that he/she fully understands the job expectations of a commercial driver, and that in his/her opinion the asthma (and any medications prescribed for the treatment of the asthma) will not affect your ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. You may never need this documentation, but better to have it safely in hand than try to obtain it at a later date when you do need it.
This plan should be followed for anyone diagnosed with any type of medical problem, especially if the condition requires prescription medications.
As always, the physician performing the DOT medical certification is going to make determinations based on his findings at the time of the exam. So if you already have this info in hand, it will help greatly if the examining doctor has it in front of him.
Keeping you safe, healthy, and on the road.
Nurse RedVisit us at
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I'm 50 yrs old and have had mild to moderate asthma since a child. I've operated a chemical tanker for the last 16 years with no directly related problems. However, some tank carriers would probably not hire us---due to concearn about having a chemically allergic reaction. I don't believe there would be any restrictions with dry freight.
Medications--I have been taking Accolate for about two years with great results. Also, I have been told that some of the earlier asthma medications such as Theo-dur can give a false positive test for amphetimines. In case the DOT would wonder about my little white pills, I carry a letter from my doctor explaining that I am asthmatic--never needed it but not a bad idea.
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I appreciate the information. I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and the good news is that he isn't sure if I have asthma yet. He stated he is going to monitor the situation before he makes a diagnosis. The doctor stated that if I have it, which he isn't sure if I do, that it is a very mild case. He gave me a prescription for an Albuterol inhaler that I am trying. He is also familiar with the DOT medical and stated he would not consider asthma a disqualifying condition as long as I use my medication as directed. He stated that some folks don't use their asthma medication as corrected and it can cause problems. He did ease my mind in any case since I am looking forward to pursuing this new career. In any case, thanks for the info!
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Santa Express,
The other factor that may disqualify you for chemical tanker hauling is that asthma MAY affect your ablility to pass a Respirator Clearance Exam. This is an OSHA regulation (not DOT) that requires anyone who May have the need to wear a respirator must be able to pass one of these breathing tests to determine that they can safely wear a respirator without encountering breathing difficulties.
In the event of a spill, they may have need to wear a respirator which can mildly inhibit the ability to pull in air and blow it off during exhalation. Persons with asthma, emphysema, and other lung problems can develop severe breathing problems while wearing a respirator. The testing is supposed to identify persons who may have difficulties. These tests are usually administered every year and if a problem is encountered, the person will have a chest x-ray to further define the problem. Just a little FYI.
Keeping you safe, healthy, and on the road.
Nurse RedVisit us at
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Tightrope sez:
He gave me a prescription for an Albuterol inhaler that I am trying
The only problem with Albuterol is that it will give a person the jitters for some time, and that will affect driving for some users, (I call it Aljitteryallover) I know it does for me, and I have to stop for a while if I need my inhaler. Fortunately, I don't have to take it very often since it is strictly a rescue inhaler.
Erik.
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Nurse Red,
Read your post with interest. I have used a full face respirator on occassion when around such products as formaldehyde. However, I have never taken any particular OSHA exam. Maybe I was "grandfathered" on this one or being primarily a Sunday driver they missed me. I was an active volunteer fireman from age 35 to 45; however, my asthma seemed to get worse (this is one heck of an environment for an asthmatic) and I finally quit the fire department. Again, I thank God for the safe miles in the old fire truck. I hope it's a number of years before time to park "Santa Express".
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Thanks for the info tauryc2/erik. My doc stated that it does cause jitters in some folks for about 15 minutes because it slightly elevates the heart rate. He wanted me to use it every 4 hours for a week while awake to see how I like it. I've been doing that and I haven't noticed any extreme jitters on myself. It may just be a matter of time though!
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It's the same as with any other medication. Some people can tolerate it and others can't. My oldest daughter cannot take Albuterol, but my youngest daughter and I have no problem with it. Go figure....
Just remembered....my 5 year old niece takes it daily as a breathing treatment through a pediatric mask....more often if needed.
Mary
[This message has been edited by Mary (edited 05-03-99).]
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I'm confused now, I've never heard of being prescribed albuterol to be regularly taken as often as you are prescribed, and I've always been told not to take it except for rescue reasons, so I may be wrong on albuterol being a strictly rescue inhaler. Maybe Nurse Red can "educate" me on this.
Here is a web site that indicates that it is to be used in the same way as your Doctor prescribed, it tells what you need to know about albuterol.
Erik
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Erik,
Albuterol is a medication that can be used 'as needed' or on a scheduled basis, as Mary describes her neice. But even the scheduled treatments are on a 'as needed basis'. Many children have moderate cases of asthma that they grow out of over the years. Many times it is triggered by undetected allergies.
There are other medications used the same way. Proventil is one of the older, more commonly used ones, as well as the Albuterol.
They can also be used for persons with other types of breathing problems, not just asthma.
Keeping you safe, healthy, and on the road.
Nurse RedVisit us at