Is it advisable to fly during an HSP flare?

Is this something that doesn't matter at all or would cabin pressure cause problems? If I am having a flare and "bleeding" would flying make it worse or is it not a problem at all....?

[John_Mills Volunteer]

Hi Claire. Interesting question. It probably depends on how your flare is affecting you,

how long the flight is and where you are going to be at the end of it. Anything that involves the ears or is causing problems with breathing might well contraindicate flying. The whole process of flying is quite stressful at the best of times and if it involves disrupted sleep patterns, even more so. Anyone on immune suppressing drugs should be aware that they are going to be in a confined space with perhaps 100-200 people or more. But if it's a fairly short flight with a relaxing holiday at the end, the benefits might outweigh the risks.

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Thanks- next flight is to Spain- not till July- my breathing and ears are not affected but seeing as I still have rash flares I was worried that the cabin pressure would cause further bleeding. Flying never stresses me which is good and as from tomorrow I only have one more week of steroids- hopefully that will be me for a long time! Thank you for taking the time to reply X

[Dave_Buzzey_B]

Hi Claire, Everybody is different it depends on what type you have and how bad the flare ups are and like John and Sue you have to think about how many people on the plane there whilst on immune suppressants and how long you'll be confined with them, with myself having osteo-arthritus (can never spell that word), epilepsy and asthma my Doctor has warned me not to fly. So help that helps.

Dave.