SLEC and Asthmatics / Smokers

[PlusUltra 8]

Hi VJers,

I am worried about my medical exam in SLEC scheduled 2 months from now. I am an active smoker and an asthmatic - do you think this will have an effect on my chest/lung xray? I am worried that they might see something there. But, 8 months ago, I had an xray from my local pulmonologist and it was clear - no TB symptoms whatsoever.

Any insight on this matter (asthma and smoking) would be greatly appreciated.

[manilaraf 28]

Speaking as a doctor, please stop smoking. It's bad for you to being with. Doing so as an asthmatic is even more foolish.

But when it comes to SLEC and the medical, they're looking for dangers to public health, so if you're clear from TB at the last Xray and are clear now, you should be all set. (Again, if your Xrays at SLEC are clear).

[Al422 221]

Doc, I thnk the OP was worried that his lung problems would register a false positive for TB on his chest X-ray. Any chance of that?

[PlusUltra 8]

Speaking as a doctor, please stop smoking. It's bad for you to being with. Doing so as an asthmatic is even more foolish.

But when it comes to SLEC and the medical, they're looking for dangers to public health, so if you're clear from TB at the last Xray and are clear now, you should be all set. (Again, if your Xrays at SLEC are clear).

Yes Doc. Quite understandable. My quit date has been set. Crossing my fingers it will work this time.

As per SLEC, AI422 is correct, will register as a false positive on my TB results?

[manilaraf 28]

The CXR findings for TB, Lung Cancer, and Bronchial Asthma in acute exacerbation would all show differently. A trained radiologist would be able to differentiate.

[manilaraf 28]

Best way to quit in my personal experience as a former smoker:

-Gradual reduction is better than cold turkey.

-Give your friends/smoking buddies incentives to help you quit instead of sabotaging you. In my case, it was a round of beers and pulutan for every 10 days I went without a smoke.

Edited March 11, 2015 by manilaraf

[Greenbaum 12,259]

Hi VJers,

I am worried about my medical exam in SLEC scheduled 2 months from now. I am an active smoker and an asthmatic - do you think this will have an effect on my chest/lung xray? I am worried that they might see something there. But, 8 months ago, I had an xray from my local pulmonologist and it was clear - no TB symptoms whatsoever.

Any insight on this matter (asthma and smoking) would be greatly appreciated.

SLEC is responsible for determining if you are currently afflicted with a contagious or communicable disease of public health significance (in other words a disease that would infect the US public, once in the USA, with a dangerous disease) but not if you are a smoker. They could care less about your smoking habits.

You will be reexamined and x-rayed for TB and the findings of SLEC will determine the next medical steps you must take, if any, to secure your visa.

[luckytwo15 13]

Hi VJers,

I am worried about my medical exam in SLEC scheduled 2 months from now. I am an active smoker and an asthmatic - do you think this will have an effect on my chest/lung xray? I am worried that they might see something there. But, 8 months ago, I had an xray from my local pulmonologist and it was clear - no TB symptoms whatsoever.

Any insight on this matter (asthma and smoking) would be greatly appreciated.

My fiancée had a clear x-ray from work and seemingly no TB symptoms. Then SLEC found a small scar followed by positive sputum ... then 8 months of joy with SLEC (detailed in my timeline).

It's good you are asking questions 2 months before your medical. Do what you have to do in order to get yourself healthiest before your exam. Which could include a consult with a doctor to express your concern about the condition of your lungs.

Edited March 11, 2015 by luckytwo15

[Greenbaum 12,259]

My fiancée had a clear x-ray from work and seemingly no TB symptoms. Then SLEC found a small scar followed by positive sputum ... then 8 months of joy with SLEC (detailed in my timeline).

It's good you are asking questions 2 months before your medical. Do what you have to do in order to get yourself healthiest before your exam. Which could include a consult with a doctor to express your concern about the condition of your lungs.

You have good intentions for her health and I commend you for that. But, at this time there is nothing she can do to ready herself. If TB is present, then they found it in time to save her life. If not, then they move on to the other health hazards. Most Filipino's pass the health exam with no problems and those that don't, usually it's due to TB but if they take the medication regiment for TB their life goes forward. They caught TB in time so their life is saved. If they didn't, well time to measure for a pine box.

The medical examination procedure consists of a physical examination, an evaluation (skin test/chest x-ray examination) for tuberculosis, and blood test for syphilis. The vaccination requirements include vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

You been there and done that. Here is the list that will deny anyone from entering the USA.

Communicable diseases of public health significance include—

•Tuberculosis

•Syphilis

•Chancroid

•Gonorrhea

•Granuloma Inguinale

•Lymphogranuloma Venereum

•Hansen's Disease (Leprosy)

Note. HIV is no longer used to disqualify someone who is applying for a visa.

And the following two disease categories-- •Quarantinable diseases designated by any Presidential Executive Order. Current diseases include: cholera, diphtheria, infectious tuberculosis, plague, smallpox, yellow fever, viral hemorrhagic fevers, severe acute respiratory syndromes, and influenza caused by novel or re-emergent influenza (pandemic flu).

•Events that are reportable as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) to the World Health Organization (WHO) under the International Health Regulations (IHR) of 2005 (currently polio, smallpox, SARS, influenza, and other public health emergencies of international concern.)

http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/exams/medical-examination-faqs.html#5

[luckytwo15 13]

You have good intentions for her health and I commend you for that. But, at this time there is nothing she can do to ready herself. If TB is present, then they found it in time to save her life. If not, then they move on to the other health hazards. Most Filipino's pass the health exam with no problems and those that don't, usually it's due to TB but if they take the medication regiment for TB their life goes forward. They caught TB in time so their life is saved. If they didn't, well time to measure for a pine box.

The medical examination procedure consists of a physical examination, an evaluation (skin test/chest x-ray examination) for tuberculosis, and blood test for syphilis. The vaccination requirements include vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

You been there and done that. Here is the list that will deny anyone from entering the USA.

Communicable diseases of public health significance include

Tuberculosis

Syphilis

Chancroid

Gonorrhea

Granuloma Inguinale

Lymphogranuloma Venereum

Hansen's Disease (Leprosy)

Note. HIV is no longer used to disqualify someone who is applying for a visa.

And the following two disease categories-- Quarantinable diseases designated by any Presidential Executive Order. Current diseases include: cholera, diphtheria, infectious tuberculosis, plague, smallpox, yellow fever, viral hemorrhagic fevers, severe acute respiratory syndromes, and influenza caused by novel or re-emergent influenza (pandemic flu).

Events that are reportable as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) to the World Health Organization (WHO) under the International Health Regulations (IHR) of 2005 (currently polio, smallpox, SARS, influenza, and other public health emergencies of international concern.)

http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/exams/medical-examination-faqs.html#5

Great point.

[apple21 953]

Hi VJers,

I am worried about my medical exam in SLEC scheduled 2 months from now. I am an active smoker and an asthmatic - do you think this will have an effect on my chest/lung xray? I am worried that they might see something there. But, 8 months ago, I had an xray from my local pulmonologist and it was clear - no TB symptoms whatsoever.

Any insight on this matter (asthma and smoking) would be greatly appreciated.

My husband was a smoker too, didn't have any problems with SLEC.

I had "spots" on my lung back in 2009 due to slight pneumonia, passed the medical exam with flying colors.

My friend has no issues whatsoever (non-smoker too) but was subjected for sputum.

Good luck!

[Jhez 2]

I am a smoker too... for 15yrs.. believe me it'd hard to stop... i am planning to have a medical next week. Will let you know the result.

By the way, we also have chest xray in our APE at work to determine if you have TB.

[PlusUltra 8]

Thanks Jhez! Yes please let me know

[Jhez 2]

Oh sorry, i wasnt able to update you guys... i am good. The nurse only smiled at me when i told her that 'arent you gonna ask me if im a smoker?' While im having my xray. Haha.... anyhow, just relax.... believe me i was drinking 2days before my medical....

[PlusUltra 8]

Thanks Jhez! I'm planning to have my medical on September 10 & 11. Going to consult a doctor in 2 weeks to load up on antibiotics. Xray told me I have pneumonitis/bronchitis - no, no, no! Wish us luck and HEALTH!