People with severe lung disease need to ask their GP or a health professional for an assessment before flying in order to avoid medical emergencies on board, a study published in the European Respiratory Journal argues.
People with conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma are at risk because they are more vulnerable to drops in the cabin’s air pressure.
Major airlines report that around ten percent of in-flight medical emergencies are linked to respiratory conditions which can result in immense distress and occasionally death for the patient or the plane being diverted.
Researchers at Imperial College London, who were funded by the British Lung Foundation and the British Thoracic Society, monitored 431 patients who were all assessed by a respiratory specialist before their journey and then asked to complete a questionnaire within four weeks of their return.
Five patients did need medical attention during the flight, but only one of those was for a respiratory exacerbation. There was no need for emergency landings and none of the patients died during the flight. Overall mortality within a month of flying was less than one percent.
A quarter had been recommended in-flight oxygen therapy. Eighteen per cent suffered respiratory symptoms either on the outward or return flight, or both. Of these the most common complaints were breathlessness (77 per cent), cough (44 per cent) and chest pain (23 per cent).
Lead author Dr Robina Coker said: “This study suggests that air travel is safe for people with lung disease if they are carefully assessed beforehand. Those with severe conditions should definitely seek advice and also make sure they have comprehensive insurance cover.”
Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation, says: “We are delighted to have helped fund this important study. Air travel can be a difficult issue for people with lung disease, but this research shows that as long as they are assessed properly, they needn’t feel anxious about flying.”
Top tips for air travel:
- Contact the airline BEFORE you book a ticket to check their policies on oxygen, the length of the flight and whether delays are likely
- If you need an inhaler or medication, make sure it’s in your carry on luggage
- Whilst on board a plane, move about once an hour and exercise your legs
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids during the flight
Click here for more advice about air travel. The British Lung Foundation also has a booklet called ‘Going on holiday with a lung condition’. To order it click here.
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