All travelers face risks when they fly: The dry air can result in dehydration; sitting motionless for hours poses a risk of embolism; and finally, recycled air is particularly likely to carry airborne pathogens that cause infection.
For lungs made fragile by lung diseases, though, air travel poses the additional risk of hyperbaric hypoxia, a condition caused by the rapid decrease in cabin pressure. While the air pressure in high-altitude flights is comparable to that at 5,000 to 8,000 feet, it''s still a risk if you have any of a number of lung diseases such as bronchitis or emphysema.
In hyperbaric hypoxia, enlargement or rupture of air sacs is caused by the sudden drop in cabin pressure, and requires additional oxygen. To find out if you''re at risk, ask your doctor to consider testing your lungs. You''ll breathe oxygenated air for about fifteen minutes, then the doctor will measure your arterial blood gases. If you can walk a block or climb a flight of stairs without gasping, you''ll probably be able to travel safely by air.
Nevertheless, if you have one of the lung diseases that puts you at risk for hyperbaric hypoxia, you should let the airline know of your condition. Some airlines may prohibit you from flying with them. Although that would be disappointing, it may also be an indication that they''re unable to provide the oxygen that you''d need in an emergency.
If you require extra oxygen, you can travel safely with a portable oxygen system. Be aware, however, that airlines will not allow you to carry your system on board. If they allow you to fly, they will take the responsibility of providing oxygen. Don''t forget that they are required to have oxygen for all passengers to guard against a sudden drop in cabin pressure anyway.
When an airline does allow passengers with lung diseases to fly with them, they charge for providing oxygen, usually about $50 per flight, and more if the flight goes overseas.
Travelers with fragile lungs should take precautions to avoid the hazards of travel that are likely to affect the respiratory system, which includes the excessively dry air of airplane cabins. Your doctor can write you a prescription for re-hydrating drugs. In less severe cases, you can plan to drink extra fluids.
If you''re traveling to a country that is particularly dry or dusty, take along a mask or kerchief to cover your nose and mouth to avoid inhaling dust particles.
You should also make sure to get a flu shot, as the recycled cabin air in airplanes and some air-conditioned buses or trains typically harbors plenty of infectious diseases. This is particularly true during the winter cold and flu season. If you''re traveling south of the equator, remember that the seasons there are reversed and plan accordingly.
With good planning, advance notification to the airline, and a flu shot, you should be able to enjoy a worry-free vacation almost anywhere.