Is it possible to pass a lung capacity test but still have asthma?
Author: I had a lung capacity test done at work last week. I am a member of the fire brigade and we have annual testing done. The Dr. told me that I passed it and had actually done quite well.The same results as last year. My problem occurs when I run. I have a hard time breathing. Shortness of breath, chest is tight and burning, and then I start coughing after I finally do catch my breath. Then I'm constantly clearing my dry throat. Can anyone tell me if this sounds like asthma?
This sounds like exercise-induced asthma. Two puffs of a rescue inhaler before exercising would probably take care of it. However, be careful getting a full diagnosis of asthma. At least here in the US, NFPA number something-or-other says you cannot use an SCBA if you have asthma. And since SCBA use is required in the fire service, most paid departments will not let you work as a firefighter if you have asthma.
However, inhalers are sometimes prescribed for bronchitis, so if you get it prescribed for that it might not set off any red flags.
Volunteer departments are often not as strict about this no asthma rule.
However, since you called it a brigade, I'm guessing you're not in the US anyway. But I'm sure other countries have similar rules.
Bottom line is, does this interfere with your ability to fight fire? Would a diagnosis of asthma be in your best interest?
I'm a firefighter, and I've got asthma. But I'm on a volunteer department, and our physician advisor is aware of my asthma. He said he would only sign me off to fight fire if I would agree to only use the SCBA if I'd been completely symptom-free for the last 24 hrs, and hadn't needed to use my rescue inhalor during that time either.
Even so, I've had to use my inhaler on scene a few times, and once I had to exit a burning building because I was having asthma symptoms. For this reason, I generally don't make entry anymore. Weirdly, the smoke from burning buildings doesn't trigger my asthma, but cigarette smoke does, big time.
Overall, I'd recommend you avoid an asthma diagnosis, but see if you can get a hold of a rescue inhaler. Use it before you exercise, or as you're heading to a call. Then, I'd leave the inhaler either at home, or on the truck rather than keeping it on you. As great as it is to have it handy, it's probably worse to have anything aerosol in your pocket at a fire.
disclaimer - I'm not a doctor, and I don't even play one on TV. Follow these suggestions at your own risk.