Methacholine Challenge - Asthma Message Board

Ensignsmith · 06-19-2006, 05:38 AM

Just recently I was denied admissions to Westpoint on account of my asthma history, a $300,000 full ride scholarship. The only way I can erase my medical history is to Pass the Methacholine challenge. Is there anyway to prepare for the test, or can an asthmatic evenpass the test with preperation. I am 18 years old and I have been running every single day since I was 16. I run the mile in 6:00 flat and I was a starting Defensive player for my lacrosse team. I was also a in charge o fthe physical team in the JROTC corps. I dont use inhalers, I dont even remember how an asthma attack feels like. But, when I went to a specialist, my FEV(forced expiratory volume) was 62% when a normal 160 lbs, 5 10" male has about 85%. It doesnt make much sense to me but I at least accept that there needs to be medical intervention. My older brother is A coast guard Ensign, Cousins are a Navy Ensign, Army 1st LT, and Major. They all had asthma some time in there life. The Navy Ensign passed the methacholine challenge. I understand that Asthmatics have passed this test. Thats my goal. I am taking Advair 100/50 a to see if it will change anything. In the meanwhile, is there anything else I could do to prepare?

Alexander Smith

Cat_0587 · 06-19-2006, 02:17 PM

Hey,

remember that for the test you need to be off all your inhalars and antihisamines, caffine for 48hrs to get a true result. There is no point trying to trick the test, and it wont benefit you in the future if you do.

I understand why you want to trick the test, but you need to think of your health in the long run.

Good Luck.
Cat

Ensignsmith · 06-21-2006, 10:02 AM

I understand that my health is at risk, but to tell the truth, if I werent confident about my body's ability, I wouldnt be so aggressive about passing the test. I was surprised about my condition considering my athletic abilities, I want to get well and pass the test so I can have this behind me.

Heather13 · 06-21-2006, 03:22 PM

Hi.
I've been doing an asthma trial that requires a lot of methacholine challenges to be done. I don't think there's any way of faking the test and getting a better result. If they take blood... or urine samples I'm sure they have a way of detecting a bronchodialator or any other asthma meds taken recently.
All you can do is try your best. Make sure you have 15 minutes of rest before performing the test. And keep active!

They say people who suffer from asthma suffer a lot less if they're regularly active compared to people who don't exercise.

Don't let it get you down. I know it sucks, but I think you have a good chance as a young male to outgrow this in the long run anyways.
Sorry, and good luck!

dazedandconfused10 · 06-21-2006, 04:52 PM

Somewhere on this board someone posted a book about doing lung exercises that might help with capacity. Otherwise I'm not sure what to tell you, try searching, I think it might have been in response to a thread I started.