Flying, altitude and your oxygen levels
Many Naples residents split their time between Florida and somewhere else, which means plenty of flying. Here's what air travel and altitude do to your oxygen levels, and when to plan ahead.
Less pressure, less oxygen
Air at altitude contains the same percentage of oxygen as at sea level, about 21%. But the air pressure is lower, so each breath delivers less oxygen into your lungs and blood. It's the reverse of what happens in a hyperbaric chamber.
Inside a plane
Commercial aircraft cabins are pressurized, but not to sea level. They're typically kept at the equivalent of about 6,000 to 8,000 feet. For healthy people, blood oxygen levels often dip a few points, which usually goes unnoticed.
For people with lung or heart conditions, that dip can be enough to cause shortness of breath or other symptoms.
Who should talk to a doctor before flying
- People with COPD, pulmonary fibrosis or other chronic lung disease
- Anyone who uses oxygen at home
- People with heart failure or certain heart conditions
- Anyone who recently had chest surgery or a collapsed lung
- Scuba divers who have dived recently
Your doctor may suggest a test to check how your body copes with lower oxygen levels and may prescribe in-flight oxygen.
Traveling with oxygen
- Airlines don't let you bring your own oxygen tanks, but most accept FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators.
- Check your airline's rules well before your flight; many require advance notice and a doctor's form.
- Bring enough batteries to cover the flight plus delays.
Diving and flying
Flying too soon after scuba diving can trigger decompression sickness. Common guidance is to wait at least 12 hours after a single no-decompression dive and at least 18 hours after multiple dives or days of diving. See Decompression sickness.
Mountain trips
At high-altitude destinations, some people develop acute mountain sickness: headache, nausea, tiredness and poor sleep. Ascend gradually when you can, stay hydrated and avoid alcohol for the first day or two. Seek help for severe symptoms such as confusion or breathlessness at rest.
Tips for every flyer
- Stay hydrated; cabin air is dry.
- Walk the aisle or stretch your legs on long flights.
- Keep inhalers and medicines in your carry-on.
- Don't fly with a bad cold if you can avoid it; blocked ears and sinuses hurt on descent.