Which symptom is a disqualifying respiratory symptom?

Dyspnea at rest is a disqualifying respiratory symptom because it indicates a significant impairment in a person's ability to breathe adequately without exertion. This condition suggests that the individual may have underlying respiratory issues, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or severe asthma, which could pose a risk while operating a commercial vehicle. Because driving requires constant attention and physical capability, any respiratory problem that results in difficulty breathing in a resting state raises concerns about the driver's ability to manage their health in potentially stressful situations while on the road.

In contrast, cough, snoring, and itching may not necessarily signify serious or immediate respiratory distress. A cough can be associated with a variety of minor illnesses, snoring might be linked to sleep apnea but doesn’t always form a direct operational risk by itself, and itching is unrelated to respiratory function. Therefore, while these symptoms may warrant further investigation, they do not automatically disqualify a driver like dyspnea at rest does.