Altitude and asthma

[PaulRosedene]

Has anyone monitored their peak flow whilst at altitude ? I am wondering what effect altitude has on peak flow.

[runcyclexcski]

I used to travel to 2.5K on weekends from the sea level, while having poorly controlled asthma. My chest would get tight (never bothered with the peak flow itself). I think the effect is due to the colder/dryer air, not altitude per se. Within limits, of course (say, under 2.5K).

[Roversrambler in reply to runcyclexcski]

Had problems breathing and an Asthma attack when we went up high in the Pyrenees and had to come down. Talked to my Consultant about it, he said it was because the air was too thin not enough oxygen. I also have problems flying and he said that is because aircraft cabins are not pressured to ground level but about 8000 feet. Told me to make sure that I always carry and use Salbutamol and carry Prednisolone tablets. Also to make sure that someone with me knows how to deal with my attacks. Good luck. Enjoy it!

[runcyclexcski in reply to Roversrambler]

>>>are not pressured to ground level but about 8000 feet

That is true (8000 feet is about 2500 meters). While flying, I would wear an odor-filtering particulate face mask or nose filters way before covid -- the smell of kerosene would make my chest tight. Like you said, I always have prednisone and steroid/rescue inhalers with me in all trips, including mountaineering ones. I never needed them, but a friend went down with flu while at altitude, so I gave him my steroid inhalers. He said they were blessing.

Did a 25K nordic ski race at 9,000 feet once with asthma (pre-Xolair). I was coughing up blood at the end. Still won though. I guess I was curious how bad it can get.

[PaulRosedene in reply to Roversrambler]

A scary story, but thank you.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

I don't know about peak flow as I haven't measured it (and it's just one aspect of asthma in any case and not always a reliable marker). However, I struggle on planes, mostly on descent - not sure why but take-off seems ok. I've been up and down during some flights too but that may be unrelated to the flight and I would have struggled on the ground too.

I've guessed that it may be the changing pressures with both planes and weather (my chest knows when thunder is coming), but it's hard to have a sensible conversation about it with anyone medical (I tried and they immediately tried to blame it on anxiety even though I've never been afraid of flying, and if I were anxious then why would I be worst on descent?)

I also went up a ~1500 ft building in Chicago and the very fast lift to the observation tower set something off. It settled when I was out of the lift, but while I was up there I definitely felt some breathlessness, but I wasn't sure it was asthma (again not anxiety, I was enjoying myself on holiday and I'm not afraid of heights or I wouldn't have gone up there!) It was tolerable but not the most comfortable (I think I noticed it more when I moved around), and Ventolin didn't make a difference (so probably not bronchospasm/asthma really), but my partner who has mild asthma didn't feel any different from on the ground.

I wouldn't have expected that to happen in a tall building (after all it's a lot lower than a plane and I don't feel like that all through a flight!) Would be interested to discuss with someone medical what was going on, but I haven't bothered as I'm not really concerned, more curious, and I know the reception I'd get with my team ('it's just anxiety/nothing to worry about' blah blah).

[PaulRosedene in reply to Lysistrata]

I have been monitoring my peak flow every day for a year now. I am planning to continue monitoring the peak flow whilst in Nepal. I will let you know the outcome of this scientific approach (if it is).