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Flying and lung problems

northlander profile image
13 Replies

I have recently been fortunate enough to go abroad to sunnier places on two 1 week holidays which involved flying however within two/three days days after returning home developed chest infections and although treated with antibiotics my breathing capacity has now declined and I am very concerned about flying again. After the first flight I also needed a course of steroids but unfortunately developed side effects this time. I am in my early seventies and have suffered for many years with bronchitis and asthma and now worry that my breathing has been adversely affected by flying. I wondered if anybody has experienced similar problems and whether there are suggestions to help.

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northlander profile image
northlander
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13 Replies
jimmyg23 profile image
jimmyg23

Hi yes you can pick up a lot infections after flying as the air in the cabin just circulates and there could be a lot of germs around so you just have to careful and take antibiotics when you arrive and you should be fine I have been flying for the past 4years and always take antibiotics when I come if I think I have infection always been fine after so please don't worry

Mooskie profile image
Mooskie in reply tojimmyg23

I always wear a mak when I fly and no longer pick up bugs

northlander profile image
northlander in reply toMooskie

Hi Mooskie. Very interesting what kind of mask and what is the reaction of the other passengers and airline?

Mooskie profile image
Mooskie in reply tonorthlander

well Norlander, I don't have any problem with people's thoughts about the nose/mouth mask. A lot of people realize it is for protection. In fact, in Japan, they wear them if they are sick, to protect the healthy.. I just use regular surgical masks. And I carry sank-wipes and wipe down the tray and arms of the chairs.

I am now on O2 24/7 so I have to really protect my lungs. Hope this,helps you.

northlander profile image
northlander in reply toMooskie

Thanks for your response

Sohara profile image
Sohara

I use Vicks 'First Defense....I used to use it immediately before I got on the flight and then again immediately after I got off the plane....now I only use that when I get off the planes , as before I leave the house I use 'Nasal cold & flu guard' both can be bought at Boots or other chemists

They have cut down the incidence of me catching things while flying ( or just generally when going into crowded places) by 99%

The first defence I KNOW works to stop colds starting...and the Nasal block cream has worked so far all the winter for me, but it is expensive

What I like about them both is that you dont have to take anything , ones a nasal spray and the other a cream you rub around your nose

camping-girl profile image
camping-girl

I'm going to get some Vicks "First Defense" , thank you, I'm flying soon & it has been 3 years since my last flight, it's usually 3 days after I come home I get poorly, & that was before my dx of copd, obviously I had it & didn't know, only mild then. Going to google the correct dose of aspirin too, I have varicose veins and having an attack of phlebitis for the last 8 weeks :(. And can I ask, can you use your inhaler during the flight?

Sorry northlander, asking questions on your question, however I thought whilst we were talking about it, it would be better to keep it all together. . maybe have shorter flights northlander, & follow sohara's advice in first defence xx

northlander profile image
northlander in reply tocamping-girl

Hi Nicgum. The flight I am due to go on is 8/9 hours but do you think that long haul flights have to have better air filtering?

Mariongisela profile image
Mariongisela

Morning everyone - this is a subject that I am struggling to get clarification on to fly or not to fly! My husband is desperate for a break but as he wants to go to California this involves 11 hrs on a plane and I am scared of what the air quality on board etc will be like.

Can't get a yes or no from his Dr as to whether he can fly!

Marion

Offcut profile image
Offcut

I had a very serious infection after flying and found the airline I used do not purge their air on short haul flights. I know a lot of people that have gone down with colds/infections after flying!

I have been told not to fly any more as I have a risk of hypoxia :(

Anneeileen1 profile image
Anneeileen1

Hi I have a similar problem to you the last 4 times I've flown I've always had a chest infection when I get back but not on the flight out don't know why ? Unless it's the warmer climate .3 of the 4 times ended up in hospital with asthma .Love going away to get a bit of sun so will try some of the things suggested on here .

vittorio profile image
vittorio

Hi northlander - Join the Club ! - I too usually come back from Italy after a plane journey accompanied by a Chest infection ! - and I have come to the conclusion , along with a very interesting article in one of the National papers on " Catching infections on Plane Journeys"( which by the way I hate flying ) to add to my problems ! , - it seems , that as the Air in planes is re cycled , if anyone on the plane has an infection , you stand a good chance of getting it , PLUS , it has now been discovered that a small percentage of "Exhaust fumes" are ALSO FINDING THEIR WAY INTO THE CABIN - Oh dear ! - I don't really know the answer to this problem apart from arming yourself with plenty of Anti - Biotics and if your Mucus starts changing colour start taking them, as for those INFAMOUS ! STEROIDS ! ( I take seven , as a precaution the day before I fly, and a further seven a day before my return flight which helps with any possible breathing problems on the flights, -BUT , we are all DIFFERENT ! , SO HAVE A WORD WITH THE Doc on this one - sorry , buts about all I can say on this problem , Good Luck , OH , by the way I have to take a couple of pills to calm my nerves before flying - Oh dear - I RATTLE WHEN I GET OFF THOSE DAM " FLYING MACHINES " AS I CALL THEM !! ...

skinnylizzy59 profile image
skinnylizzy59

Hi, have any of you who have had problems after flying had a flight assessment to see if you are fit to fly. I had one and was told that I could only fly for two hours, I have COPD Bronchiecstasis, so this means I can probably get as far as Italy. Good luck to all you flyers enjoy your holidays. Take care Lizzy x

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