Anybody personally know of any drivers that were taken off the road for COPD/emphysema and or asthmatic conditions? I wonder what the regulations state specifically about those conditions and how bad it has to be before a physician denies a medical card to drive?
I have asthma and it has never been an issue for me getting renewed. What was explained to me by my Dr is that your oxygen saturation level in your blood has to be in the normal range of 85 -100% Average is like 95, so as long as you don't fall below the normal range you will not have a problem. There is no specific regulation to these conditions that I am aware of except for the oxygen level of your blood when you go for your physical.
In my prior life (before driving otr) I employed 5 drivers. My senior driver had COPD, and it was never a problem until he had a bout with pneumonia. When he was discharged from the hospital his oxygen saturation was too low and the treatment was carry a bottle in a bag and wear the nose tubes. That was the end of his driving.
