Does flying make chest congestion worse?
Does flying make chest congestion worse? The impact being in a pressurised aeroplane could have on your symptoms. Whether you have existing chest problems which could mean flying could make your symptoms worse.
Should you fly if you have fluid in your lungs?
Persons with any of the following conditions should not travel by air: Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) within 2 to 3 weeks prior to travel. Pleural effusion (excess fluid occurring between the pleural layers) within 2 weeks prior to travel. Major chest surgery within 10 to 14 days prior to travel.
Is it safe to fly with chest congestion?
Patients with active or contagious chest infections should avoid traveling until they are no longer infectious, as they may infect those sitting next to them. Flying is usually possible 7 to 10 days after the infection, even though the cough and mucus can last up to 3 weeks.
Can flying exacerbate pneumonia?
However, if the breathing rate is already accelerated due to pneumonia and the traveller is unable to take in enough oxygen, this situation, and thus the patient's condition, can deteriorate further.
What happens if you have a cold before flying?
Flying whilst infected with a cold increases the risk of physical damage to the inner ear and sinuses.
Is it safe to fly with inflamed lungs?
Pleurisy is an inflammation of the thin layers of tissue that cover the lungs and ribcage. It causes severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. Flying commercially while suffering from pleurisy is strongly discouraged. Pulmonary embolism and respiratory distress are the two most feared complications.
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.
Is it safe to fly with an upper respiratory infection?
The most important preventive measure is to avoid flying when symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection are present. When this is not possible, passengers should yawn, swallow, or chew to relieve pressure in the middle ear. Use of the Valsalva maneuver and decongestants or antihistamines may be helpful.