Risk of traveling by plane in patients with respiratory system disease

Abstract

In an attempt to meet desires and needs of the patients with pulmonary diseases who plan to travel by air craft, physicians might face complex problems. They are expected to estimate individual risk and need of oxygen supplementation that might be necessary. Sometimes, these patients are a source of infection to other passengers. Some international air travel guidelines offer precise and mandatory conditions, which should be fulfilled during the flight in case such a patient has to travel. Thus, patients with drug resistant tuberculosis are not permitted to travel at all, while all the other patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and other air born infections should not travel during the infectious period. Recent or uncured pneumothorax and hemoptisis are contraindications for travelling. Other patients with pulmonary diseases, especially those with manifested respiratory insufficiency should respect the rules, which include contacting air travel company prior to flight, sharing information about their health condition and asking for details on possibilities of oxygen supplementation while on board, currence voltage, and availability of plugs in the cabin where the devices for respiratory support might be put in, etc. A possibility of hypoxia during the flight is an important individual risk. Methods of hypoxia prediction and possibilities of oxygen supplementation in air craft cabin are in focus of current research.