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Is Flying Safe When Suffering From Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Question: Trying to figure out if I should go on business flight tomorrow trip is 4 days long. After severe itchy skin spell dermatologist did blood test and said it was caused by low iron. Iron was 10 two weeks ago but I literally eat half a cow a week- it cannot be dietary Anemia. Made appt with GI as I have been on PPI for over 15 years and am concerned re malabsorption. Have severe GERD and hiatal hernia which will be surgically repaired later this year. I am dizzy and feel light headed and balance is off. I don't have a ton of energy but I don't feel bad. Any danger with me flying , like blood clots or heart issues? I suspect my iron is lower than when tested as I didn't feel this "off" then.
Brief Answer:
With these symptoms,it is not a good idea to fly.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.
Most probably causes of your Iron Deficiency anemia are Malabsorbtion of Iron due to long term use of PPI drugs or Gastrointestinal bleeding.
If the symptoms of anemia (fatigue,tiredness,lack of energy) are getting worse and you are feeling dizzy and light headed, this means that the anemia is getting worse rapidly and that probably the cause of the anemia is gastrointestinal bleeding.
I don't suggest to take a long flight now,it is not a good idea.
I suggest to consult your doctor and get examined.
A physical examination is needed.You should run a blood test to evaluate your hemoglobin level.If it is too low you will need to start a treatment right away (Iron supplementation).
You also need to consult an GI doctor and probably will need to do an upper endoscopy to sort out what is causing this Anemia.
Hope my answer has helped.
Let me know if you have any further question.
Take care
Dr.Rovena Murati
With these symptoms,it is not a good idea to fly.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.
Most probably causes of your Iron Deficiency anemia are Malabsorbtion of Iron due to long term use of PPI drugs or Gastrointestinal bleeding.
If the symptoms of anemia (fatigue,tiredness,lack of energy) are getting worse and you are feeling dizzy and light headed, this means that the anemia is getting worse rapidly and that probably the cause of the anemia is gastrointestinal bleeding.
I don't suggest to take a long flight now,it is not a good idea.
I suggest to consult your doctor and get examined.
A physical examination is needed.You should run a blood test to evaluate your hemoglobin level.If it is too low you will need to start a treatment right away (Iron supplementation).
You also need to consult an GI doctor and probably will need to do an upper endoscopy to sort out what is causing this Anemia.
Hope my answer has helped.
Let me know if you have any further question.
Take care
Dr.Rovena Murati
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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