Is it safe to fly with copd..

[Hollyhops]

Havnt been diognosed with copd yet..going for breathing test in 2 week..doc thinks I have it..had chest inf 6weeks ago..3lots antibiotics.have been to a&e twice with bad wheeze and breathlessness ..doc put me on spiolto and inhaler...chest xray clear.had another flareup Wednesday..doc gave me steroids...I am due to fly to london tomorrow.its only short flight from dublin but im very nervous as im still wheezing a bit..my doc couldnt really answer me about it...she said it was up to me if I went..to see how I felt on the day...?..could anyone advise me what to do..I would be very grateful...x..

[stone-UK]

Hi

Should not be a problem! Unless you make it one, as you are already nervous would you be confident in the confines of a aircraft.

[Hollyhops in reply to stone-UK]

Thank you for your reply..its just im still very breathless and wheezy now.thats why I am concerned about flying....id say it will take a few days for steroids to kick in only started them yesterday..

[Spacecat1 in reply to Hollyhops]

Make sure you keep inhaler close to hand. I have copd and went to Rome with hubby and our daughter. Was bit nervous to begin with but I did settle down. And it was my first time on a plane. I had to walk slowly up the steps. Once sat down put your hands on your knees breathe slowly. Breathe through nose and out think that's right. It calmed the breathing down.

[soulsaver]

You'll be fine, the pressurised cabin will help your breathing. The bigger risk is sitting in a closed space with loads of other passengers coughing, sneezing & spluttering.. you could do without catching a cold on top.

[Hollyhops in reply to soulsaver]

Thank you for your reply...I suppose so..but still very nervous..im not breathless sitting down its judt when im walking for a while or going upstairs.I get a bad wheeze and then i cant breathe..hopefully il feel better tomorrow before I go...

[Hollyhops in reply to Hollyhops]

What im really concerned about is if its safe to fly with a flare up..wheezing cough and breathlessness...thanks...

[Susan1200 in reply to Hollyhops]

beverley93 ,I have also flown when I had problems with breathing and wheezing , strangely enough ,the pressurised cabin did help me to breath better,and I told my doctor that which he thought was strange.

Please don't worry,it will only make matters worse.

[PollyP in reply to soulsaver]

I not sure you are correct in saying that the pressurised cabin helps breathing.

In more severe cases of copd it definitely does not as the level of oxygen are lower by about 6-7%.

[soulsaver in reply to PollyP]

Correct - in more severe cases, but that's not her from her post or the GPs words. She isn't even short of breath. I try not to add to someone's already clear anxiety.

[PollyP in reply to soulsaver]

I wouldn’t want to add to people’s anxiety either, but misleading people is something else!!

As a frequent flyer with oxygen I have quite a bit of experience with these activities 😀

[Caspiana in reply to soulsaver]

Hi soulsaver .

I have never heard that the pressurised cabin helps with breathing. Which is why us with lung disease often must fly with supplementary oxygen. Air pressure is lower in an aircraft cabin than at sea level, therefore the amount of oxygen carried in the blood is less than if we were at sea level. This is of course not an issue with healthy people, but for people with heart of lung issues it could be troublesome.

[soulsaver in reply to Caspiana]

Yes for moderate to severe that could well be the case, but she isn't... see my other reply to a similar comment..

Best wishes.

[BSA-3 in reply to Caspiana]

Hi Cas, I think you are exactly right in what you say. I tried to get a fitness to fly and the Consultant said that at sea level normal atmospheric O2 is around 21% which drops to 15% in a plane at high altitude, hence the need for supplementary oxygen. He said that the airlines will supply 2l/min and if you need much more than that then the airline will refuse to take you because you are deemed too much of a risk generally. Looks like Scarborough or Blackpool then ! 😂🤣 I hope you are doing ok, Cas, and please take the best of care of yourself. Your wise words are always such a pleasure to read.

[Caspiana in reply to BSA-3]

Hello BSA-3 . Actually the ruins of Scarborough castle looks like a really interesting place to visit. 😀👍 xx

[BSA-3 in reply to Caspiana]

It'll be 2 ruins together then ! 🤣😂

[BB4ALL in reply to soulsaver]

Actually the pressurised cabin makes it more difficult for COPD sufferers as the oxygen levels are lower so on long haul flights it could be a problem that's why when you go on long haul flights you should check with your Dr if it is safe for you to go. On short haul from Dublin to London it shouldn't be a problem.

[Bella395]

Beverley93 - it is up to you but IMHO it doesn't make sense to fly when you are unwell and from what you say, that is the case at the moment. Who is going to attend to you if you become quite poorly in the airport or on the aeroplane itself? As has been said, the confines of an aircraft can be toxic with bacteria etc and you are particularly vulnerable. Also, is it fair to the staff and to other passengers? If you are ill and don't have to travel then surely it's better to wait until you are well enough? When ill the best place to be is at home.

[LGC59]

I have COPD and Chronic Asthma and fly every 6 weeks to Spain. The cabin pressure is only 75% oxygen so breathing will be a bit laboured, but just use your relief inhaler. They carried oxygen on the plane if its a problem. But like every one says if your ill DON'T fly I did once and ended up in hospital for 4 days.

[Balloo]

Ask for assisted passage so u don't have to walk miles .i COPD and it's OK on the plane .just use inhaler.

[Jollj]

Hi bev,I have mild to moderate ( stage 1/2 ) COPD, travelled 4 times this year,once was 10 hours to las vegas, no problems on the aircraft, I use the passenger assistance offered by all the aircraft companies in conjunction with the airports,it takes all the stress out of walking miles through airport's,queuing for various stages of the journey,climbing steps etc etc, it's free and certainly helps for anyone with any problems,plus you don't have to be diagnosed to use it, it is there for any number of problems even things that are not obvious to the human eye.

[Hollyhops]

Thanks for all the reply's..I have decided to go..feeling good today..steriods. have kicked in..no wheeze or breathlessness..am still nervous..but looking forward to seeing my grandkids..havnt seen them since xmas..looking forward to nice weather in london..it is raining and very windy here in Dublin...thanks again for all the help...

[Caspiana in reply to Hollyhops]

I hope you have a good time Hollyhops . xx 😀👍

[Hollyhops in reply to Caspiana]

Thank you..x..

[Susan1200 in reply to Hollyhops]

Whoopee Beverley 93,I am so happy your feeling better in yourself,I thought the steroids would kick in ,take care , have a fantastic holiday with your grandchildren.😁

[Hollyhops in reply to Susan1200]

Thank you..xx

[Susan1200]

Hi Beverley 93, I have COPD ,I have flown lots of times ,but you have to calm down ,no point in worrying ,as long as you have your inhalers with you , before you board the plane,take deep breaths and when your siting comfortable take another few deep breaths.

Enjoy your flight Beverley 93 😀

[Hollyhops in reply to Susan1200]

Thank you...have inhaler ready..hopefully wont need it...xx

[Ern007]

Hi, oh I flew for 12 years on the trot with COPD and Heart problems - Really get your travel insurance and you should be fine.. Any doubt have a word with you practice nurse or GP..

[lKeith]

beverley93

Hi, I have emphysema and fly regularly to Lanzarote. Keep a full inhaler with you on the plane, get into a "rest" position ASAP when you get seated. Arrange for assisted boarding so you don't get stressed getting onto the aircraft. The inhaler will go thro' customs check point with out any trouble especially if you go assisted boarding. You will usually be 1st on and last off and will be taken thro' customs by the assisted boarding attendant. It's all quite easy really and often you get out of the airport quicker than normal passengers. Preferably do not take oxygen with you. Put all other medicines in "Hold" luggage and only keep the inhaler with you but do make sure it is a full one just in case you get a bit panicky.

IKeith

[Balloo]

Hia hope you have journey last night all electricity went out me gasping as I use nebuliser . Found on line portable one not cheep . But I also who likes do long hall but very worried . If can do no more .rang ok I cum Africa SA & kenya. Both most airlines helpful . I can pug in charge on plane also in car . I never gotton hang These inhalers . Mine is from tb oxigen level fine it's the breath out . And I life what call here elergic ashma .

[Hollyhops]

Hi all...back home from london..had a great time...flight was great didnt need any inhalers..no wheezing or breathlessness..so happy I went...thanks for all the advice..much appreciated..xx