COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
I'm traveling by plane this Saturday and am worried about breathing on the plane. I'm not on oxygen. Has anybody had problems flying?
I am not oxygen dependent but I have been diagnoses with severe COPD/emphysema. How bad depends on the day and then the time of the day (who knows why). I have invested in a oxyimeter to monitor my own oxygen levels. I did a google search and got one for about $65.00. When I was in re-hab we tested my meter with their expensive oxyimeter - the reading was the same.
Another thing I did as I was flying was take some of the people's oxygen levels that were sitting around me. Their oxygen levels remained about the same and did not drop, only mine dropped.
1. The first thing I did prior to leaving was discuss my travel with my pulmonary specialist. He told me I would be OK to go. He said "People with COPD travel all the time and they make it just fine and so can you". He kind of pissed me off, but I've learned he has good information, he's just a crabby man.
2. When I traveled to to Vegas and back my oxygen levels dropped down to about 78-84. (a two hour flight). I was very nervous about this and sat very still. I did not get up and move around the air craft at all. The cruising alltitude on that plane was about 40,000 (United - large craft). As soon as the plane started down my oxygen level went right back up to about 94.
Another thing I did as I was flying was take some of the people's oxygen levels that were sitting around me. Their oxygen levels did not drop, only mine dropped.
3. This last week traveling to LA and back was about the same. My breathing was a little labored on the trip to LA and it did drop down to about 84. Cruising alltitude on this plane was about 36,000 (Delta - very small craft). On the way back my breathing was really good and my breathing stayed at about 85-88 (same size craft and alltitude). Pursed lip breathing also helped bring it back up a very small degree temporarily (very little help but some). I again was very careful to use the rest room before I boarded and did not move around. This was a 2 1/2 hour trip.
I did experience some problems when I got off the airplane. The first thing you have to do is walk up a ramp. I got winded doing that and I was a little winded walking throught the airport. It is usually a long way to where you need to go in an airport. You can get help from the airline and use a wheelchair, I didn't.
I would be very concerned if I were to fly for a longer period of time and had to get up and walk around the aircraft. I think that could lead to a fast disaster. I don't want to be the one trying out that theory. I certainly would discuss with my pulmonary specialist again if I had a lengthy trip, but I did learn that for short distances I learned I can travel just fine on an airplane.
Good Luck to you, please keep us posted on your experience.
P.S. More to come on my Cruise, I was Fabulous. Too tired now. I got home at 10:30 last night and had to go right into my work week this morning, no holidays for us.
*you could always take Greyhound, and get there in a couple weeks? (ha/ha)
Enjoy the trip!
been on an airplane since 2002. I had no trouble on
the plane; but had tremendous trouble making my connecting flights: all that walking through terminals to different airlines and different boarding gates totally winded me. I was not on
oxygen in 2002. I have been afraid to try flying
now that I am on oxygen. I want to travel and visit
my older brother. My pulmonary doctor may be related to yours. LOL He can be so cold, clinical,
(and as you said) crabby and short with me. I got
a kick out of your calling your doc a crabby man.
***Laughing***
Foxysdad: I would never attempt or consider flying
on a plane, without my Pulmonary Doctor's OK; and
finding out the rules the airlines have for oxygen
use. I suggest you check with your doctor; then the
airline you will be traveling on.