Bronchiectasis - Long Haul Air Travel

[NarlsJunior]

Hello all,

newbie here and newly diagnosed last month. I was pretty poorly in hospital for 4 nights and coughing up blood but the antibiotics have cleared things up massively and although Im still coughing up small amounts of coloured phlegm in the morning I feel pretty good overall. I take Fostair inhaler (200 doseage).

Im on the verge of booking a one month holiday in the Far East. My GP has said I can travel by plane no problem. Naturally Im concerned about picking up an infection during such a long flight but do want to go ahead. Im on a waiting list to see a respiratory specialist at my local hospital so not seen anyone other than my GP since I was discharged from hospital.

Do any of you have any thoughts about long haul air travel? Im looking forward to hearing from some of you and thank you so much in advance.

Neil

[Kristicats]

Hi Neil

Welcome. I do long haul travel every year. I’m off again on Sunday for 3 weeks. I make sure I have a ‘rescue’ pack of antibiotics from my GP. I also use precautions at the airport and on the plane to try not to pick up any bugs , I use nasal guard, vicks first defence and coldzyme from the pharmacy. Make sure you have enough of the meds and inhalers you need and very importantly make sure your travel insurance is up to date with details of your condition. Hope you have a lovely holiday.

[NarlsJunior in reply to Kristicats]

Hi Chriskho

How lovely to get your message of assurance. I’m speaking to my GP tomorrow by phone to get his thoughts regarding taking antibiotics with me. I will buy some of the pharmacy things you suggested. I see you’re going to Thailand....me too and Bali. Love Thailand !! Looks like the bad air pollution theyvhad in the greater Bangkok area is improving now but do take care of you’re staying in the city at all.

Have a fabulous holiday and stay safe and well

Neil

[Kristicats in reply to NarlsJunior]

Not doing Bangkok this time, usually travel around but just spending time at Khoa Lak with friends this time total chill🐘🐘🏖🛶 Hope you have a great time !!

[NarlsJunior in reply to Kristicats]

Thanks. Enjoy your holiday!!

[Hidden]

Hi there. Very good advice from Chrishko. Like her I have done loads of long haul journeys. Have a look at the Cambridge mask for the plane. They come in nice colours. I am flying to Denver and back from Seattle in the summer and am going to buy one. Have a great holiday.

[NarlsJunior in reply to Hidden]

Hi littlepom

Thanks for your reply and support!! I’ve never heard of a Cambridge mask. Must check it out online. I’m ready for my holiday for sure. Just apprehensive after what happened a few weeks ago and being newly diagnosed and having to wait to see a specialist.

Thanks again and take care

Neil

[Hidden in reply to NarlsJunior]

You should have a rescue pack of 14 days antibiotic to keep at home in any case. Your consultant should have told your GP of this. When you see the GP get them to give you 14 days to take with you. I was in Bangkok very briefly last year. It was too polluted for me. Phuket was ok.

[NarlsJunior in reply to Hidden]

At this point I don’t even have an allocated consultant as waiting to see a specialist at my local respiratory clinic. I will ask my GP about getting a rescue pack before I travel in April. Just need GP to confirm I’m ok to travel and for that long.

Good news is I’ve just got home from an 80 minute walk in the countryside and feel fine. No breathlessness or ill effects. Feel good for that!!

Your thoughts much appreciated 😊