The prevalence and impact of respiratory symptoms in asthmatics and nonasthmatics during deployment.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence, severity, and impact of respiratory symptoms in asthmatics and nonasthmatics during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Methods: A survey was given to 1,250 active duty soldiers and Department of Defense contractors returning from Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom. Subjects were asked about demographics, smoking habits, respiratory symptoms, and impact on job performance before and during deployment.