#DrKKAnswers:
1. Patients with significant cardiopulmonary disease can be severely compromised by even the small degree of hypoxia (low oxygen) that occurs aboard commercial flights.
2. Patients with severe, unstable asthma and those who have required recent hospitalization should not fly.
3. Asthmatics who do fly should carry on their person a beta-2 selective adrenergic agonist metered dose inhaler and spacer, and a course of oral steroids.
4. Patients with cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, or comparable diseases should be provided with appropriate antibiotic and secretion-clearing medications to be used before and during flight. They should stay well hydrated, and use inflight oxygen, if indicated.
5. A pneumothorax is an absolute contraindication to air travel.
1. Patients with significant cardiopulmonary disease can be severely compromised by even the small degree of hypoxia (low oxygen) that occurs aboard commercial flights.
2. Patients with severe, unstable asthma and those who have required recent hospitalization should not fly.
3. Asthmatics who do fly should carry on their person a beta-2 selective adrenergic agonist metered dose inhaler and spacer, and a course of oral steroids.
4. Patients with cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, or comparable diseases should be provided with appropriate antibiotic and secretion-clearing medications to be used before and during flight. They should stay well hydrated, and use inflight oxygen, if indicated.
5. A pneumothorax is an absolute contraindication to air travel.
No comments:
Post a Comment