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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Will It Take To Clear Fluid From Lungs?

My 69 year old Mother was just discharged from the hospital after spending 5 days there for pneumonia. She has no spleen and was admitted Sunday because of fluid in her lung and was almost septic Monday. How long should she wait before getting on an airplane?
Fri, 6 Nov 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
It is advisable to take at least 2-3 weeks of rest after pneumonia.
She is also having pleural effusion (fluid in lung) and septic, so possibility of severe pneumonia is more.
In this situation, it takes almost 2-3 weeks for complete resolution.
Air travel in plane is not safe because of low oxygen saturation at that height.
So possibility of breathing difficulty is high in pneumonia patient in the plane.
So better to take proper rest at home for 2-2 weeks atleast.
Get done repeat chest x ray and clinical evaluation after 2-3 weeks.
Hope I have solved your query.
Wishing good health to your mother. Thanks.
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How Long Will It Take To Clear Fluid From Lungs?

Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. It is advisable to take at least 2-3 weeks of rest after pneumonia. She is also having pleural effusion (fluid in lung) and septic, so possibility of severe pneumonia is more. In this situation, it takes almost 2-3 weeks for complete resolution. Air travel in plane is not safe because of low oxygen saturation at that height. So possibility of breathing difficulty is high in pneumonia patient in the plane. So better to take proper rest at home for 2-2 weeks atleast. Get done repeat chest x ray and clinical evaluation after 2-3 weeks. Hope I have solved your query. Wishing good health to your mother. Thanks.