Is Asthma A Disability?

What Is Asthma?

When you have asthma, the airways to your lungs swell and get narrower and you may also produce excess mucus. Also referred to as chronic asthmatic bronchitis, this condition can make it hard to breathe and may cause coughing, wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe out), shortness of breath, or chest tightness.

Some people consider asthma a mere annoyance, while others suffer from major symptoms that prevent them from living normally. There is currently no cure for this condition, but the severity of symptoms can be lessened with the right treatment plan.

What Causes Asthma?

The exact cause of asthma is not fully understood, but it can be triggered by many different factors, including:

• Air pollution
• Weather changes allergies
• Environmental factors such as - irritants in the air (like smoke and toxins)
• Excessive dust
• Respiratory infections
• Genetics

What Are The Types of Asthma?

Chronic bronchitis or asthma is classified by healthcare professionals as either intermittent or persistent based on the cause and severity of symptoms.

Intermittent asthma periodically comes and goes, so patients will feel normal in between flares. On the other hand, those with persistent asthma experience much longer symptoms. The intensity of these symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe.

What Are The Common Symptoms of Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that in severe cases, can restrict your ability to breathe and live a normal life. Asthma sufferers may experience symptoms come such as airways swell or inflammation of the airways which makes it difficult to inhale or exhale normally.

Muscle tightening around the chest and the airway to the lung is another symptom that sufferers experience during an asthma episode.

The Physical Symptoms of Asthma

Some of the main physical symptoms associated with asthma are:

• Chest tightness or pain

• Difficulty to breath properly, especially during physical activity or exercise

• Coughing or wheezing that is not caused by a cold or other illness

• Rapid heartbeat, feeling faint or dizzy due to lack of oxygen

The Emotional Impact of Asthma

In addition to the physical symptoms, asthma can also lead to a wide range of emotional and psychological impacts. These may include:

• Anxiety about having an attack

• Feeling of helplessness or frustration due to your condition

• Depression related to chronic pain or limitations in daily activities

• Stress about managing your asthma and its side effect

Although chronic asthma is a condition that requires ongoing care, treatments are available to manage the symptoms and improve the overall quality of life for those living with this disability. If you have questions or concerns about living with asthma, speak to your doctor or other healthcare professionals for personalized advice on managing your condition.

What Is An Asthma Attack?

Asthma attacks, also known as acute exacerbation, occur when a person's asthma symptoms suddenly get worse. This can be caused by various factors, including environmental triggers like pollution, allergens, cigarette smoke, or just poor management of the condition.

During an asthma attack, a person may experience difficulty in breathing and chest pains, as well as other physical symptoms like coughing and wheezing. In more severe cases, an asthma attack may even require emergency medical attention or hospitalization for intensive treatment.

How Is Asthma Treated?

There is no particular asthma treatment that works for everyone with asthma, as the condition can be caused by a variety of different factors and symptoms may vary accordingly. However, many people find success with a combination of oral medications, lifestyle changes, and respiratory therapy.

For example, patients may be prescribed an intravenous bronchodilator to open up the airways and improve airflow. Other medications may focus on reducing inflammation in the airways, such as corticosteroids or leukotriene modifiers.

In addition to prescribed asthma treatment, lifestyle changes can help to reduce asthma triggers and manage symptoms. These may include avoiding known allergens, staying indoors on days when the air quality is low, and maintaining a healthy diet and proper adaptable exercise routine.

Is Asthma Considered As a Disability Under The ADA?

Yes, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects your right to a disability-friendly workplace, and that is since 2008. According to the ADA, employers are required to make reasonable accommodations in order to create an accessible work environment for their employees with asthma. Such accommodations might include:

• Reducing or eliminating strong scents and smells

• Installing air purifiers or air conditioners

• Restricting contact with known allergens

Can Asthma Sufferers Qualify For Disability Benefits?

For many people living with asthma, the condition can be debilitating and significantly impact their ability to work. In these cases, it may be possible for patients to receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) in order to support themselves financially while they are unable to work.

How Does The Social Security Administration Evaluate Asthma?

To qualify for disability benefits due to asthma or other respiratory conditions, you must meet the SSA’s strict definition of disability. This requires that you have a severe medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death, and that prevents you from performing substantial work for a significant period of time.

The Social Security Administration has a strict set of criteria that they use to evaluate all disability claims, including those for asthma. Generally speaking, the SSA will evaluate your claim based on the following factors:

• Severity and frequency of symptoms
• How well your condition can be managed with medication or other therapies
• Your ability to function in day-to-day life, including work and activities of daily living

Depending on your overall health and the severity of your symptoms, you may be eligible to receive financial support from the SSA. This support can come in a variety of forms, such as monthly disability benefits or assistance with medical expenses.

However, it’s important to note that application requirements and approval rates for asthma claims are often quite strict, so it’s best to work with a healthcare professional and an experienced disability attorney to ensure your claim is evaluated properly.

If your application for disability benefits is denied by the SSA, it is important to work with a qualified disability lawyer who can help you appeal the decision and ensure you get the support you need.

With the right legal representation, it is possible to successfully navigate the disability benefits process and obtain the financial support necessary for living with asthma.

While asthma may be considered a disability under the ADA, there is no clear consensus regarding whether it directly qualifies for disability benefits.

Whether or not you can receive benefits will ultimately depend on the severity of your asthma, your ability to work despite the condition, and a variety of other factors as determined by the Social Security Administration.

What Medical Evidence Does SSA Consider As Disability Benefits For Asthma?

In order to qualify for disability benefits for asthma, you must typically submit several types of medical evidence to the Social Security Administration (SSA). This may include test results and reports from your doctor, as well as information regarding your symptoms, treatments, and functional limitations.

Some specific types of evidence that SSA may consider when evaluating your asthma disability claim include:

• Medical records, including test results and notes from your doctor.
• A detailed history of your symptoms and treatment plan.
• Information about how the condition affects your ability to work or perform other activities of daily living.
• Results from pulmonary function tests or other assessments that evaluate the severity of your breathing difficulties.
• Testimony or documentation from your employer, family members, friends, or others who can provide insight into how your asthma affects your ability to work or otherwise function on a daily basis.

Ultimately, whether or not asthma qualifies as a disability for purposes of receiving disability benefits will depend on the asthma cases. Factors such as the severity of your experience symptoms, your ability to work despite these symptoms, and the overall impact that asthma has on your day-to-day life can all play a role in determining eligibility for the benefits.

How Do You Prove Your Asthma Disability Case?

To prove your case, you will need to work closely with your doctor to gather all relevant medical records and test results, as well as information about your symptoms and treatment plan. In addition, you will need to provide evidence of how asthma affects your ability to work or otherwise perform major life activities.

The Proof of An Asthma Diagnosis

If you're looking to file a long-term disability insurance claim for your asthma, the first thing you need to do is visit your doctor. They'll likely perform a physical examination before running any tests.

If they confirm your diagnosis, then you're one step closer to getting the coverage that you need. In some cases, your doctor might refer you to a pulmonologist – someone who specializes in treating disorders of the respiratory system.

The Proof of Physical Exam

To see if your symptoms are caused by something else – such as a lung infection, lung disease, or COPD — your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your signs and symptoms, medical history, and any other health issues you might have.

Lung Function Test

Your doctor might also recommend a lung function measurement test, such as spirometry, which assesses your lung's ability to inhale and exhale. Other tests that may be done include:

• Blood Test – to see if you have an allergy or infection that could be causing your symptoms
• Chest X-ray – to rule out other lung conditions, such as pneumonia or bronchitis
• Arterial Blood Gas Test – to check for infection and to see how well your lungs are working

Additionally, provocative tests such as exercise and cold air inhalation can help confirm a diagnosis of asthma.

Documenting your Asthma Disability on Your Own

In addition to working with your doctor, there are also a number of steps you can take on your own in order to strengthen your claim. One key step is to keep detailed records of all asthma-related symptoms, including dates and any factors that may have triggered them.

You should also keep track of any medication or other treatments that you use, as well as any impact that your asthma may have on your everyday activities and quality of life.

At the end of the day, the key to getting approved for disability benefits due to asthma is having strong medical evidence backing up your diagnosis.

Keeping A Symptom Diary

One of the best things that you can do to strengthen your asthma disability claim is to keep a detailed "symptom diary" of all your symptoms, including when they occur and any factors that may have triggered them.

This will help provide concrete evidence of both the severity and frequency of your symptoms over time, making it easier for you to prove that you are disabled by your condition.

In addition to keeping track of your symptoms, it is also important to document other aspects of your asthma disability. This may include tracking the medications and treatments that you use, as well as any impact that your condition has on your ability to work or perform daily activities.

If possible, it can also be helpful to gather supporting documentation from your doctor or other healthcare providers. This may include lab test results, imaging reports, or written statements confirming your diagnosis and how it affects your day-to-day life.

Detailing Your Treatment Journey

In addition to documenting your symptoms, it is also essential to keep track of any treatments and medications that you use. This can help provide concrete evidence of how your condition impacts your quality of life, as well as the steps that you are taking to manage it.

For example, if you have tried various medications or other treatments but have not seen any improvement in your symptoms, this may indicate that your condition is more life-threatening than what a single treatment can manage.

Likewise, if you have been prescribed certain medications but are unable to get them due to financial or other barriers, this may also help strengthen your claim by demonstrating the significant impact that your condition is having on your life.

Detailing your treatment journey can be an important component of a strong asthma disability claim. By keeping records of all the steps you have taken to manage your condition and working closely with your healthcare providers, you can increase your chances of securing the benefits that you need and deserve.

Can Obesity Contribute To Your Asthma Disability Case?

There is some evidence that obesity may be a contributing factor in the development of asthma. This is because links have been found between excess body weight and inflammatory responses in the airways, which can contribute to symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.

If you are considering applying for disability-based benefits due to your asthma, it may be worth exploring whether your obesity status could also be a factor in your case.

This may involve working with your doctor or other healthcare providers to look at any potential underlying causes of your weight gain and the impact that this has on your asthma symptoms.

How To Apply For Asthma Disability?

To apply for asthma disability, you will need to submit a formal application and medical records documentation supporting your diagnosis and the severity of your symptoms.

This includes everything we have discussed above such as written statements from your doctor or other healthcare providers, as well as lab test results or imaging reports that confirm the presence and impact of your condition.

You can apply for asthma disability benefits through your local social security office, either in person or by phone, or by mail. The application process can take some time, so it is important to be prepared and to gather all of the necessary documentation upfronts.