oxygen on flights

[Lovemydogs1]

Hi

I have interstitial lung disease and have some lung removed due to lung cancer. However I do not need oxygen or inhaler(lung stats of 52 pev) and am generally well.

However my rheumatologist has suggested that the cabin pressure might cause me an issue when flying. I have contacted respiratory without response.

Has anyone experience of being in this situation?

Only a short haul flight incidentally.

Thanks

[Bevvy]

I think you should speak to your gp about this. Unfortunately now your rheumatologist has said it you may have issues with insurance and flying. Your gp can organise a “fit to fly” assessment which should elevate any concerns.

[Lovemydogs1 in reply to Bevvy]

Thanks that's helpful

[Ern007]

I used to fly with Fibrosis, COPD and heart problems, I could have got insurance, but checking with GP, she barred me to the mainland. Take care.

[Lovemydogs1 in reply to Ern007]

Thankyou

[Blyth1]

I have an ILD Lovemydogs1 and so far don’t need oxygen when doing every day activities.This is how it was for me.

Was given a hypoxia stress test earlier this year as I mentioned to my consultant how I felt during my last flight. 4 hours to Greece, was aware of feeling nauseous after30 mins, very sleepy and headache.🤢

My test appointment was made with respiratory unit by the consultant who was aware of when my next holiday flight was. The test took about 30 minutes.

I was told my oxygen level dropped significantly after 4 minutes of the test, on the day of the test, and that for any future flights I would need supplemental oxygen .I would need further stress tests within 6 weeks of any future flight, this is to check what level of oxygen you require to maintain safe level. Fit to fly letter with oxygen would be supplied by the consultant following each test. Oxygen concentrators have to be agreed with the airline in advance and I was given information regarding which company hires them. Plus of course I would need to let insurance company know this. We cancelled our holiday, this was a purely personal decision.For the moment we have decided holidays will not involve flying. Eurostar here we come.😀

[Lovemydogs1]

Thankyou

[PaulineHM]

Hello, as Blyth1 has said, and has described to route to flying with oxygen as my experience too.

Have Asthma- COPD and I did fly long and short hall with my concentrator, although now I use liquid oxygen flying is no longer possible and neither is long distance ferry either.

Adjust and adapt is now the motto.

Hope you get O2 sorted for your next get away.

Go well.

Pauline

[Lovemydogs1 in reply to PaulineHM]

Thank you

[Timberman]

Cabin pressure is not at full atmospheric except on the ground. At altitude is is generally about 10lbs psi - so about 70% of ground level. I am not qualified to say how this will affect you but we use atmospheric pressure to help fill our lung so it may be less effective. However, to expel air we have to overcome atmospheric so this may be easier.

I am sure the airline will have a health expert who can help you it must be a common question.

I also folund this: The air is 'thinner' because the pressure is less and, as a result, there is less oxygen. In fact, the concentration of oxygen falls from 21% at sea level, to about 15%. Most people will tolerate this, but, if you already have problems breathing, this will become worse.

NOTE: That last statement is simplistic - because there is less air there is less oxygen but the ratio remains the same at 20.96% or close to.

[Lovemydogs1]

Thankyou for your comprehensive reply. I am beginning to think that it is not really worth all the hassle given the increased insurance as well.

[Bevvy in reply to Lovemydogs1]

I would still chase it because you may well be able to fly with no issues.

[Lovemydogs1]

Yes you are right. Thanks