I've done a bit of reading on the post-2012 approach to asthma with regard to aviation medicals and noticed that certainly for initial examinations the investigation procedure is a bit more in-depth.
Basically, when I was a child I was diagnosed with asthma at the age of three or four, I was prescribed inhalers (plus Ventolin for use before sport). It wasn't particularly serious, however at the age of seven or so, I had a nasty cough which resulted in a hospital appointment for a chest x-ray (which revealed a bit of bruising on the lungs from the cough) and a blood test. I was given a course of steroids for a couple of weeks which sorted it out.
I had the flu about a year later, so again another two week steroid course.
When I was in my late teens, I began to have doubts as to whether I really needed the inhalers, so during an appointment with the nurse at my local GP clinic for an unrelated matter, I mentioned the possibility of reducing the dosage with a view to removing them entirely.
I've not used an inhaler for eight years and the asthma is no longer listed as active on my local GPs records. A couple of years ago I was able to do a 20-odd minute 5k without any inhalers at all.
Now, I'm thinking about getting a CAA medical in the next few months (most likely a Class 2 to start with, though possibly a Class 1 since I've been considering modular) and I've read a few stories about referrals costing hundreds of pounds. I've checked the form
https://www.caa.co.uk/WorkArea/Downl...?id=4294973874 and guidance
http://www.caa.co.uk/WorkArea/Downlo...?id=4294973873. The form seems to be based around inhaler usage in the past few years, yet the guidance seems to be different.
I'd very much appreciate an idea of what they are likely to require. I read on one AME website that they send people on a six minute run around the block then repeat the FEV tests (there's a recommendation to bring exercise clothes) . However, some people seem to have to do the run on a treadmill supervised by a specialist consultant.
I should add that (touch wood), I've never had an asthma attack or wheeze or any sort of incapacitating episode. I don't have any recent reports since no problems = no reports).