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Is Flying Safe When Suffering From Asymptomatic Pericardial Effusion?

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Posted on Sat, 3 May 2014
Question: I have been diagnosed with an asymptomatic pericardial effusion. I was tested for RA, etc, and all bloodwork was negative. This effusion was found coincidentally with an abdominal ultrasound. My doctor does not know what it's from. My follow up echo showed no change (after 3 1/2 month) and i have now started taking advil 3x a day for ten days. Just had a ct scan of chest on Friday and waiting foe results. I am supposed to go away Tuesday. Is it safe for me to travel via airplane? I am very nervous about this. Thank you.
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Answered by Dr. Guru (56 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Refer below Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for consulting HealthcareMagic! I think that you had viral/autoimmune pericarditis which is the most common type resolves in 15 to 20 days. But, few people have complications of this in the form of pericardial effusion. If this is large, then these kind of journeys are not advisable and you might need hospitalization. However, if your effusion is not significant which can be confirmed by your doctor after physical exam and echocardiography, then your air travel should be fine. Hope I have answered your query. If you are satisfied, you may now close the discussion and rate the answer. If you like my answers and wish me to answer in future, bring it to my attention: Dr Vasanth. Url link is as follows: http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-vasanth/66057 Wish you good health!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Guru (54 minutes later)
My physician said I had a small, although not trivial, effusion. He is concerned enough to follow up with additional testing, although didn't think I should have any problem traveling via airplane. I am still nervous. Can the pressure or oxygen changes from flying affect the effusion or the heart at all? Could it make the condition worse in any way? Thank you very much.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Guru (10 hours later)
Brief Answer: Refer below Detailed Answer: Hi, I personally do not think there would be any problem as such based on information you have given. However, a physical examination is needed to completely assure you. Wish you good health!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Guru

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 589 Questions

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Is Flying Safe When Suffering From Asymptomatic Pericardial Effusion?

Brief Answer: Refer below Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for consulting HealthcareMagic! I think that you had viral/autoimmune pericarditis which is the most common type resolves in 15 to 20 days. But, few people have complications of this in the form of pericardial effusion. If this is large, then these kind of journeys are not advisable and you might need hospitalization. However, if your effusion is not significant which can be confirmed by your doctor after physical exam and echocardiography, then your air travel should be fine. Hope I have answered your query. If you are satisfied, you may now close the discussion and rate the answer. If you like my answers and wish me to answer in future, bring it to my attention: Dr Vasanth. Url link is as follows: http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-vasanth/66057 Wish you good health!