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8-4-19; I Just Turned 72 Years Old In July 2019.
Question: 8-4-19; I just turned 72 years old in July 2019. I was just diagnosed with possible COPD by my family doctor on 8-1-19 and was referred to a specialist on Aug. 19, 2019. I began experiencing some sporadic shortness of breath on July 25th or 26th, 2019. I smoked from age 15 to age 19 and quit cold turkey on Oct. 22, 1966 (at 5:45 pm!). So I haven't smoked for almost 53 years. My family doctor prescribed ANORO Ellipta to be inhaled once a day. I am supposed to fly to New York for a wedding Aug. 14-18, 2019. Is it okay to fly if you potentially have COPD? Thank you very much.
Brief Answer:
Safety of travel depends on the severity of COPD and the oxygen levels- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Values of FVC and FEV1 in volume (liters) and FEV1/FVC in percentage are the ones that we use to accurately evaluate COPD and determine the severity of the episode. FEV1 can also be expressed as the percentage of the predicted (> 80% of the predicted value for the patient, for instance, is considered normal). You may upload the result, if possible, so I can have a look and better evaluate the figures.
Patients with mild COPD are generally safe to travel by air. In cases of moderate to severe COPD, there are some risks with travel. A good indicator is the level of SPO2. If you had low oxygen (pulse oximetry) during the visit, then you have to be more cautious and make sure you have a visit with your doctor prior to the travel. The doctor knows also if other conditions or findings are present that may add to the risks of traveling in your case.
It is also recommended avoiding sleeping during the travel as sleeping may cause further decline in the levels of oxygen.
To be safe, travel is recommended to be avoided within 6 weeks of an exacerbation.
To conclude:
- it is best to discuss your risks with your doctor as he knows best of your oxygen levels and the severity of your COPD.
- travels within 6 weeks of an episode of COPD are best avoided
- if you travel, make sure you avoid sleeping (especially if it is a few hours trip) so that you do not risk further reducing your oxygen levels
- you will need to use the drug regularly as the doctor recommended it, even if you feel better (do not skip doses).
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Safety of travel depends on the severity of COPD and the oxygen levels- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Values of FVC and FEV1 in volume (liters) and FEV1/FVC in percentage are the ones that we use to accurately evaluate COPD and determine the severity of the episode. FEV1 can also be expressed as the percentage of the predicted (> 80% of the predicted value for the patient, for instance, is considered normal). You may upload the result, if possible, so I can have a look and better evaluate the figures.
Patients with mild COPD are generally safe to travel by air. In cases of moderate to severe COPD, there are some risks with travel. A good indicator is the level of SPO2. If you had low oxygen (pulse oximetry) during the visit, then you have to be more cautious and make sure you have a visit with your doctor prior to the travel. The doctor knows also if other conditions or findings are present that may add to the risks of traveling in your case.
It is also recommended avoiding sleeping during the travel as sleeping may cause further decline in the levels of oxygen.
To be safe, travel is recommended to be avoided within 6 weeks of an exacerbation.
To conclude:
- it is best to discuss your risks with your doctor as he knows best of your oxygen levels and the severity of your COPD.
- travels within 6 weeks of an episode of COPD are best avoided
- if you travel, make sure you avoid sleeping (especially if it is a few hours trip) so that you do not risk further reducing your oxygen levels
- you will need to use the drug regularly as the doctor recommended it, even if you feel better (do not skip doses).
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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