Class 1 Medical, asthma and tachycardia
 

Hi everyone! This is my first thread here, I hope it won't lead to a depressing result...

I've got an appointment for a JAR Class 1 Initial in 10 days exactly, and I was wondering if anyone could answer the two questions that haunt me when I think about this thing. I've read all there is to read on the JAR web site, and read a lot of stuff here, but I'm not sure what to think of all of it. That's why I'm asking directly.

1- I suffer from mild asthma. I'm allergic to cats and feathers, and don't have an outstanding lung capacity while making physical efforts. If I'm very tired I'll have very mild problems breathing, that will immeadietly dissapear with a small intake of Ventolin. I'm now nearly 23, and my last attack that lead me to the hospital (in fact the last one at all) happened when I was 7, so 16 years ago. Will this end up being a problem?

2- My heart will, from time to time, go nuts, pounding like a madman for about 1 minute and this will make me feel a bit weak. I've been diagnosed with mild tachycardia, and this will only happen if I'm very tired AND very hot AND very stressed. It's happened about 4 or 5 times in the past 3 years. Will the doctors see this on the day of the medical, and will it end up being a problem?

Other than that, I'm in pretty good form, my eye sight is perfect and my hearing also. I'm 1m89 and weigh about 75 Kgs...

Thanks in advance for any answers, any, as long as you think it may help :ok:

But this is exactly what flying is!

.....and, quite correctly, that is the view the medics will take.

Why do so many people with a history of these kind of problems want to put themselves into the position of potentially being unwell in the air?

When I mean hot, it's being in the south of France in the middle of the day, at temperatures around 40°C, tired would mean after a mean hangover, and stressed would be emotional and sudden. Somehow, I don't think all of this would happen in a cockpit, especially the 40° and the hangover part...

Doesn't everyone get like this ?

Try a search on asthma, chill out and go for your medical.

I can assure you, Monsieur BP, that I've experienced tired and stressed and 40C in the cockpit on many occasions!
... and I wouldn't have wanted to add "a bit weak" and "very mild problems breathing" to my troubles at the time.

Gingernut takes a different view so follow his advice, which is usually good.
But for your own safety and for everyone else's, please give your full history at your medical.

Of course I'll give my full medical history, I'm not stupid/naive enough to not do so. Nevertheless, the breathing has nothing to do with it (apparently there are many asthmatic pilots, even with Ventolin allowed, which won't even be my case, as I said my asthma is VERY mild), and many times I've been in pitiful states and my heart didn't do anything. So the conditions I've given are arbitrary and may even have no direct link. The doctor I saw today said that it could possibly be linked also with my horrible eating habits.

Anyway, I imagine that if my heart really does have a problem, the medical test will point it out...

Then since you know all about it, you don't need any further input.

Let us know the outcome. Good luck.

Yeh, sorry to appear flippant, of course, tell the truth at your medical, the docs there will be able to tease out what they consider to be relevant (they're pretty good at that).

Remember to chill, and keep us updated.

There is absolutely no point in with holding information or disguising symptoms from the AME. The problem being that 'should' you get through "this time" you then make plans to set off on your chosen career path only to find years down the road that it is taken from you because of something that has cropped up in your medical!!! One career and lots of your time wasted.

Bets you tell them everything NOW and let them advise you. They really aren't out to ruin your day, many of them are there to help. At the end of the day it's all about your health first and everything else second eh?

It's not really about my health, but more about EVERYONE's security... Don't worry, I've had this in mind since the beginning...

Asthma
 

i had light asthma when i was 11 and i grew out of it.
I am now 15 with no need for treatment for the illness.
i was reading this on the CAA site:
"and have no current or previous illness which might interfere with the safe exercise of the privileges..."
Would it affect my Class 1 medical when/if i go for it?
Thanks

If it doesn't affect you now, then no. Keep reasonably fit and that usually manages it just fine. I have mild asthmatic tendencies which was picked up by my aviation doctor.

It's not a problem and I rarely use the puffer.

To whom it may concern : for the Korean KCAB and Japanese JCAB, asthma is a no no.

I guess that applies to the Taiwanese aviation medical board too. Anybody has any insights?

Asthma and getting an airline job
 

Hi,

I am 33 and moving onto my second career and aiming to fly for the airlines. I had childhood asthma and failed the peak flow test in the class 1. The doctors seems to think after 6 weeks on an inhailor I will be fine and pass the test. I do not normally use an inhailor and have not need to since a kid.

I will have a class 1 medical and offically on the record as having asthma and my record will state I use an inhailor daily which is allowed for class 1 as long as you have not had an attack in 5 years.

What do the airlines ask about your medical, do they just see that you have a class 1 cert and not ask any more or do they want to know if you are on any medication and therefore I have to declare I have asthma. In a job situation for Cityjet, Aer Arann, Air Contractors for example I will be up against others for the job and I am the only one that has asthma then I expect I would be knocked off the list as asthma sounds like a complication an airline does not need.

Be great to hear what the airlines actually need to know about you medically and what I have to decare or can I avoid bringing the asthma up at all. I aiming to work for the regionals.

Thanks for the help.

Whats the minimum requirement on the Class 1 peakflow test? I only ask because I had asthma as a child but when I moved to Milton keynes recently my new doc gave me a peakflow test and seemed surprised I managed to do so well on it after I told him I had asthma.

asthma
 

You can pass the peak flow test that the standard doctor has which is just blow in the tube but for the class 1 they have a machine connected to a computer which is very percise. I passed it all except for the exhale which should I have low level asthma. I haven't used an inhailor for 20 years and thought I had grown out of it. Anyway you can be on an inhailor and get a class 1 as long as you can meet the peak flow test and have not have an attack within 5 years.

I have to take the inhailor for 6 weeks and then go back and do the test which the doc expects will be fine.

I developed asthma last year - convenient timing when I wanted to start a career in aviation.

I did the honest things and declared to the CAA that I was using a daily inhaler and they asked me to do the excercise test - which I failed. This involves you running around the building at Gatwick for 5 minutes or whatever until you are out of breath. They then repeat the peak flow.

After consulting with my doctor we increased my medication and the next time I did the test I passed so it is possible to pass it.

My theory is as follows - this is all my own personal thinking and not backed my medical opinion - so make of it what you will !!

Asthma is a constriction of the airways. This can be caused by many things. One of the things that makes an episode worse for sufferes is that when the symptoms start they start breathing faster - this irritates the airways more and hence makes the episode worse.

I could be totally wrong but I think that this is why the CAA make you run around. Now, I think if you are fit and excercise regulary then your body needs less air for a given amount of excercise. Therefore you dont irritate your airways as much running around Aviation House!

Getting back on subject, you can have asthma and be a pilot and have *certain* types of inhaler providing you can pass the excercise test if you are given one.

My advice is to be prepared.

This is going to become more common in future years as more and more people are developing forms of asthma.

I have had asthma since year dot, and found out the hard way that it is incompatible with the military and even a VGS gliding medical.

However I wrote to the CAA and was asked to forward a GP letter and Recent Spirograph (lung fucntion graph) and was told it was acceptable so £422 later for the initial I was/am the proud owner of a JAA Class 1 without any restrictions. I didn't even have to do any running test.

I only use Seretide 50 once a day now which is very effective for me.

OK so Yes it is possible but

1. I prepared by going to the gym and doing lots of cardio, gently at first though.

2. I now run 4 miles about 3 times a week and boy can I feel the difference!

So swim, cycle or run or whatever that gets your lungs working. Don't need to go mad but certainly train them!!

Practice peak flow techniques on a PF meter - they're maybe a couple of quid on prescription.

Go to your doctors and get a spirograph done on a regular basis to see the improvement.

I was classed as having the worst asthma as a kid and was in hospital often with all the most potent meds but prepare and you shouldn't have a problem.

PM me if you want more information.

Peak Flow Readings?
 

Can anyone please give me a rough guide to what peak flow readings should be to pass the class 1 medical.I am 24, and of slim build?? Any help would be very appreciated.

It isn't so much the peak flow (you should be within "normal " limits) but FEV-1 in other words Forced Expiratory Volume - 70%.
You should be able to blow (exhale) 70% volume of your peak flow in one second. This will produce a distinctive shape on the graph which shows how good your lungs are. Do a google search and you will see.

is asthma noted as a restriction on Class 1
 

Hi,

If you have asthma and have to take a preventitive inhailor every day is this noted in some way on the class one medical as maybe a restriction ?

Tks,

hi my name is joe
and im actually 13 years old
.

i have asthma and hayfever and i am trying to join the united states air force when im older.
i was annoyed when i found out about people with asthma arent aloud to join. so i have started having runs at 7:00 am so my asthma can get better.

can specialists delete your history of asthma once your de diagnosed?

Unfortunately the term "asthma" gets banded around quite a lot in medicine.

Patients may be labelled whether they have a mild wheeze when they get a cold, or whether they have to take shed loads of medication on a daily basis.

Sorry, can't answer specifics re: airlines / raf etc, but it would appear that asthmatic pilots do exist. (It may be worth performing a search for your specific enquiry).

Being pilot's you are fixating on numbers, the answers you are looking for can be found amongst this lot http://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/Guid...97_asthma_html

I suspect that your examining doc would be more interested in the frequency and duration of your symptoms, how they affect your day to day life, whether or not you've needed hospital admission etc, rather than relying on figures alone.

On a positive note, symptoms can usually be well controlled, with patience and accurate treatment.

PS Joey, it may be worth having a word with your doc, to ensure he has made the correct diagnosis.

Quote:

---

Can anyone please give me a rough guide to what peak flow readings should be to pass the class 1 medical.I am 24, and of slim build?? Any help would be very appreciated.

---

http://www.peakflow.com/top_nav/norm...ues/index.html

From memory, current asthma is a complete no-no for pilots in the RAF. If you were asthmatic as a child but have grown out of it then I think you need to be symptom free for 5 years with no treatment to be considered. The CAA rules will be more relaxed.

Generally, if it's well controlled and the Peak Flow is OK then you may well be lucky.

Certain asthmatics are worsened by exercise, just the same as some are made worse by cold or certain allergens (animal fur, house dust mites, etc) so that is why the CAA make you run round the block!

If I go for a run in cold air there's a very good chance I'll get the asthmatic cough that's just such fun...

So, if you're someone who gets that cough and you suspect you might be made to go for a run for your Class 1, take up jogging before the medical (be careful though) and don't do the medical in winter. :ok:

why?
 

why shouldnt you start joggin in the winter
? :}

According to the CAA document detailing respiratory requirements you need to satisfy the following for a Class 1 medical:

FEV1/FVC Ratio needs to be more than 70%, not just FEV1 - there is usually a marked difference between the two with FEV1 being the higher figure by quite a margin (well in my case anyway)....An FEV1/FVC Ratio of less than 70% needs to be examined by a specialist in respiratory disease.

For a Class 2 medical you need to have a peak flow of more than 80% of your predicted value, anything less and once again this will be reffered to a specialist.

Hope this helps....

WTFH

To clarify, the FEV1/FVC ratio should be about 70% in healthy subjects. It is the ratio of the volume expired in 1 second during forced expiration (the FEV1) and the total volume expired in the same expired breath (the Forced Vital Capacity) the FVC is therefore ALWAYS higher than the FEV1 (unless, you complete the expiration in less than 1 second!)

An FEV1/FVC ratio of less than 70% suggests an obstructive disease (like asthma). A ratio of greater than 80% suggests other respiratory disease so 100% is definitely NOT the target to aim for!

The FEV1/FVC ratio is just one of the tests used to check respiratory function.

You need to be careful whether you are talking about a ratio between two values in the same patient or whether you are comparing a patient's value with the predicted value for a patient of that age and sex.

Sorry for the long post but it is important to get this distinction right

I got my class 1 in winter with asthma.

Initially I had to run around the block a few times at Gatwick and failed it.

It then took up jogging to *train* my lungs to use less air at excercise. This meant that there were not breathing in so much irritating cold air that would bring on my asthma. That is my advise - it worked well for me.

Also, I agree with the other poster that asthma can be well controlled with patience. You need to find out...

- What medication is acceptable to the CAA.
- What from that list works the best for you.
- What are your main triggers and how to avoid them.
- Techniques to use when you feel a bit tight chested e.g. abdominal breathing.
- Natural remedies - I think Apples help me and coffee induces it for example.

The CAA want to see that your asthma is well controlled. That means your peak flow does not drop below (whatever) FEV1 after excercise. If you can control your Asthma then you can get your class 1.

Also, there must be asthmatic pilots as its becoming more and more common.

Also :) if you have allergies you may have a post nasal drip causing inflamation. Try getting a Neti Pot (google it) and give your nose a good rinse out. Slightly off topic but might help some people!

Asthma+Cabin Crew=?
 

Ok Guys n Gals,
I have applied to Emirates for Cabin Crew, and pass through group stages and interview, waiting for approval and then get my medicals done.

Now I have asthma, but I did'nt touch on this on the Open Day, and now I am really 'regretting' it.

Basically. I am 21 years old. I had asthma diagonosed when I was a lickle baby (1 or 2) and it got worse and worse from (7-15) when I was 13.8 stones. (Now, Im 10 stones, slim, perfect shape!!!) I got admitted to local hospitals every year for asthma attaks (mild), in winter because winter triggered me off!So basically, i got nebulisers and ventolin/servtide. I was getting better as the dose got up. When I was 14.5, I got worse and doctor/pead. prescribed me tablets: Singulair/Montelukast. ITS AMAZING! Just 2 months of this, my PF reading went woosh! and a lung test results comapred to previous went WOOSH!. As, my asthma got better, I exercised,eat healthy,worked out at gym and lost weight in 7 yrs. Now I can run miles without coughing and wheezing.
However, I have the slight cough in winter, when its snowing.
My asthma paed. discharged me at 15 and my asthma had improved LOADS. I dont smoke,I dont passive smoke etc.

Will this show up on medicals?Is it good to tell EK?Will they say 'NO' to me? *Lol.Shall I keep my mouth shut and turn a blind eye on it?:oh:

Because Dubai is hot, really hot! So I just dont know?

I think I should ring up EK Recruitment and tell them, but I'm really scared they might dissmiss me. I worked so hard!

HELP PEOPLE. I need advice.


P.S: Emirates might phone me in 2 weeks time to confirm and then get my medicals done and sent over and I could be in Dubai in November/October/Dec. If they find out in DXB, they can't send me back, can they?:yuk:

Going to ring EK on Monday 3rd Sep.

By no means do i know anything about cabin crew, but i very much doubt you'd be accepted with bad ashma :sad: Just my opinion tho! Although i doubt you would.

many thanks

Thats ok!
Basically, in my "teen years" from like 7 years to 14 it was bad. Then I was prescribed this 'Singulair' tabbo once a day (I was told to stopped taking it at 19 as my asthma improved dramastically with my weight!) and now I only have a special inhaler on a low dosage, incase I have the odd cough on a winter night which is really rare (i mean really), saves me making a trip to A&E just for a neb!

So, I can run long distances without a wheeze.

Anyways, I heard that DXB medical is very basic, like dental,xray of chest?,ECG,Disease check i think and more or less on the lines of that.

In training, they will assess on swimming (which I love) and probarly light work outs but I very much doubt they will send me back half way through CC training because I can't run around the building three times without panting for breath!

Also, the Medical here is also nothing to do with breathing,(i think) just health wise like jabs,dental,disease etc!

I think best way forward is to contact Louise or Mariah at recruitment in dubai and see what they say or should i just be quiet about it?

Thanks for your reply

I would contact someone at the airline if i was you. Get some advice on whether or not you would be able too.

regards, sam

WOHOO!
Thanks so much.
On Sunday (DXB Business week start) I will email or phone them.
They said we will ring you in 4-6 weeks. About 3 weeks passed so the early the better. I will tell you bout the outcome

As on this forum mentioned before "No news is good news" lol

Are you a pilot or...?

My advice is to be honest with the company.

If your asthma han't been a problem for years, and you are well controlled on preventive medication, there should be no problem. If you have significant asthma that is not well controlled, you shouldn't be doing that job at the moment. If you are not honest with the company, and they later find out, they might have good grounds to dismiss you, regardless of how well your asthma is controlled.

Cheers,

BM

I was thinking that too, but after your words of confidence I feel I should just ring them on Sunday, and tell them. It's well controlled so maybe...thumbs up!!

I'll tell you how it goes...

Thanks so much

Check out a method called Buteyko, I discovered it from this forum and it has helped my Asthma greatly, you may become medication free.

Hey!
Thanks for the suggestion
I just Google'd it and it's apparently a Russion breathing technique.
I'll try it.

I really hope it works however my asthma is really good now

:ok::ok:

Edit: Just had a pop on the site. It looks great! AND ITS IN MANCHESTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am going to have a proper read, ask my Dr., and go for it.

Thanks soooooooooooooo much:ok: