Do people with COPD have trouble flying?
Do people with COPD have trouble flying? For people who suffer from COPD, flying can be a risk. The air pressure in a commercial airplane is different from the pressure on the ground, implying a decreased level of oxygen.
Is it safe to fly with chronic lung disease?
With optimised care, patients can fly without any additional risk. Clinical and functional evaluation for fitness to fly and possible risk factors for in-flight hypoxaemia should be assessed in all COPD patients before flying.
What happens if you are congested and fly?
“If you've got inflammation blocking your means of equalizing the pressure, that's going to hurt,” he said. That pain can continue even after your flight as inflammation prevents the pressure from equalizing, Adalja added. It can also lead to trouble hearing, vertigo, and in rare cases, damage to the eardrum, Wu said.
Can people with respiratory problems fly?
Having a lung condition should not stop you from travelling by air. Whether you are going on holiday, a business trip or a visit to family and friends, it should be possible to make the necessary arrangements - as long as you plan ahead.
Is flying hard on your lungs?
Low air pressure during air travel also decreases the amount of oxygen in the air. This effect is modest and generally not noticeable for healthy travelers. For patients with significant lung disease, a small decrease in available oxygen can cause significant symptoms, especially with exercise.
What is the oxygen saturation while flying?
One study found a passenger had a blood oxygen saturation of 94% at ground level and 85% at altitude. This study concluded that this hypoxia in conjunction with the dehydration, immobility and low humidity associated with airplane travel could contribute to morbidity during and after airplane travel.