Hello. I Am Moving To XXXXXXX Soon And Had A

Posted on Thu, 11 Apr 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Hello. I am moving to XXXXXXX soon and had a lung question. I had three spontaneous pneumothorax back in 2012. I had corrective surgey on both lungs and have been healthy since. But im kinda nervous cause i heard high altitude can cause another one if its not pressurised. Is that true

Answered by Dr. Dr. (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
yes, so require few investigations to consider fit to fly.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have gone through your query and here is my advise.

Yes, Usually during an aircraft flight, as pressure falls there is increase in volume of trapped air.

Please let me know do you have breathing difficulties, chest pain, pain during breathing, rapid breathing?

As per your history, I would suggest you to do pulmonary function test, Computed tomography of chest and hypoxic challenge test after detailed medical examination and chest physician's opinion.

As per the reports, you can undergo altitude chamber trial test. This test includes simulated ascent to around 8000 feet over 15 min under medical supervision.

With these investigations report and chest physician's opinion, you are considered fit to fly.

Let me know I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Shyam Kale

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj