Bronchitis
Hi all,
Just thought I would air my concerns relating to bronchitis. I am reluctant to air these in an official AME context as I have a class 1 and intend to retain it for some time.
Over the past 5 years or so I get a good solid weeks worth of severe bronchitis after every cold (doesn't even need to be flu). I obviously end up with no sleep for the duration, upset wife as she gets no sleep, and exercise etc. becomes difficult. I have spoken with my GP, who has informed me that there is nothing I can do to prevent these onsets, I'll just have to deal with them as and when they occur. The thing is they seem to be getting more frequent. Onset of one now (hence late typing hours!) and it is only 10 months since the last bout.
I can trace the history back to when I had a very severe bout in the navy some 10 years ago (Lasted for about 3 weeks and was very rough for about 5 days during that period). Ever since the bouts keep coming back although thankfully not as bad.
I consider myself a reasonably fit 30 year old who doesn't smoke, but does work shifts. My GP has eluded that my suseptibility may be down to having a very mild history of asthma ( parents smoke, wheezing after sever exercise, coughing bouts after laughter or coming in to warm air from cold) and that my lungs may just be more sensitive than most.
Is this a concern for my class 1? I have to say that when I flew over to the states last year, the aircraft airconditioning made me feel as if I was having real difficulty getting sufficient air into my lungs. It was quite nervewracking as I have previously flown hundreds of hours in pressurised aircraft including fast jets and been in pressure chambers without feeling any ill effects.
It all boils down to 3 questions...........
Is this a problem for retaining a class 1?
Is there anything that helps prevent the onset of the bronchitis?
What causes it?
Many thanks in anticipation
Obs cop