Inhalers and joining

[Bullens]

Hello,

A few months ago I had a chest infection - nothing serious, it cleared up after a few days.

However, I was prescribed an inhaler.

Is this likely to lead to me failing a medical to join the RN?

Would be gutted if it did, didn't even need to use it.

 

[andym]

Why did they prescribe an inhaler?I presume it was something like Ventolin?

 

[Bullens]

Why did they prescribe an inhaler?I presume it was something like Ventolin?

Not too well up on the medical terms I'm afraid.

I was short of breath for a few days so they gave me the "blue" inhaler commonly prescribed to asthmatics (I don't have asthma).

 

[andym]

Thats Ventolin,a broncho dilator.I dont think its a problem as you dont have asthma.Must have been a humdinger of a chest infection!Cant see it being a bar to your joining up process.

 

[Bullens]

Thats Ventolin,a broncho dilator.I dont think its a problem as you dont have asthma.Must have been a humdinger of a chest infection!Cant see it being a bar to your joining up process.

Thanks alot for the reply, fingers crossed then

When I went in for them to have a look it was a bit hard to get my breath, but by the time I was home I was back to normal.

 

[andym]

I shouldnt worry about it.Youll be fine.Good luck anyway shippers.

 

[nutty_bag]

yeah sounds like you had a chest infection mate. G.P's give inhalers out like sweeties to get people out of the door! Wouldn't trust them to diagnose properly to save their lives!! get yourself a flu jab to stop the nasties returning!!

 

[ProudNavyWife(tooBe)]

I had the same thing, I knew it was a chest infection I get enough of them! but I came home with 2 inhalers! after a month suprise suprise I still had my chest infection - got some anti biootics and it was gone in 4 days! ...............maybe the drug companys give them money to 'sell' them nothing would surprise me

 

[snapdragon]

I wouldn't worry, as long as you tell them it was a chest infection. I was a little worried about the inhaler thing too, but i know deep down i haven't had asthma ever- just hayfever induced wheeziness. The medical test doctor only asked anyway, they don't seem to check up on anything.

 

[all_purple_now]

I wouldn't worry, as long as you tell them it was a chest infection. I was a little worried about the inhaler thing too, but i know deep down i haven't had asthma ever- just hayfever induced wheeziness. The medical test doctor only asked anyway, they don't seem to check up on anything.

Salient points:

Asthma is a disease characterised by reversible bronchoconstriction. If you are getting wheezy after exposure to a trigger factor, including pollen then it is a distinct possibility you might have asthma.

Asthma kills 1400 young people in the UK every year so should not be taken lightly.

Failure to disclose medical conditions which subsequently come to light may result in a) being run & b) not having any insurance if you take ill as a result of the aforementioned condition while away...

get yourself a flu jab to stop the nasties returning!!

If I may quote from the DoH guidance?

The target groups for the 2006 to 2007 influenza season are listed below.

Vaccine should initially be given to those in groups 1 and 2 and then to the remaining groups, in order, as vaccine becomes available.

1. Those aged 65 years and over

2. Those aged over 6 months with underlying medical conditions such as:

* Chronic respiratory disease, including asthma*;
* Chronic heart disease;
* Chronic renal disease;
* Chronic liver disease;
* Diabetes mellitus#;
* Those with impaired immunity due to disease or treatment.

3. Those living in long-stay residential care homes or other long-stay care facilities (but not including prisons, young offender institutions, university halls of residence).

4. Those who are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill. This should be given on an individual basis at the GP’s discretion in the context of other clinical risk groups in their practice.

5. In addition, NHS employers should offer immunisation to employees directly involved in patient care, and social care employers should consider similar action for staff in nursing and care homes who look after older people. Influenza immunisation of staff can reduce the likelihood of transmission of influenza to vulnerable patients.

APN

 

[snapdragon]

Asthma certainly is a killer- a concept not helped by doctors doling out inhalers at the first sign of a cough.

 

[all_purple_now]

Asthma certainly is a killer- a concept not helped by doctors doling out inhalers at the first sign of a cough.

As there is a considerable social stigma associated with 'asthma' I think most doctors would find it hard to justify giving out inhalers unless there were good clinical grounds.

APN