What Causes Shortness Of Breath While Flying?

Posted on Thu, 8 Jan 2015

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

Thu, 8 Jan 2015 Answered on

Thu, 5 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Have had shortness of breath whilst flying becomes worse when asleep. What could be the cause of this.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cardiac dysfunction

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Shortness of breath in the night which makes you want to get up for breath is most likely to be of cardiac origin.
Here is what you should do
1. Always sleep with head end elevated. I ask my patients to sleep with two pillows under the head
2. Restrict water to less than 1-1.5 litres a day
3. Seek help from a cardiologist, get an ECHO and Pro BNP test done
4. Tab Spironolactone is ideal to prevent breathlessness
5. Check for uncontrolled blood pressure

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (28 minutes later)

The problem only arises when flying and worse on sleeping when flying the problem disappears when on the ground.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Anxiety also a possibility

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back, I am sorry for the short delay in my reply. It was a busy day at the hospital.

Shortness of breath while flying can also be related to the heart , the only other reason being anxiety
I recommend that you get a complete blood count along with the tests I had ordered for

once again I apologize for the delay

regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju