1. < Lung Health

Does anyone have chest pain and shortness of breath while flying ?

Posted by Mary D @maryd, May 30, 2023

I have had chest pain and shortness of breath while flying in a plane ever since a respiratory infection in 2005. The symptoms even persist for days after landing. I have had multiple tests from cardiac MRI, Chest CT, cardio pulmonary stress tests, bicycle echo just to name a few. I had a complete workup at Mayo Clinic Rockchester in 2012. Recent echocardiagrams and EKG at Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, AZ. I had a left heart cath in 2006 and a right heart cath in 2018. I have avoided flying since 2006. I would love to have an answer to this and to be able to fly again.
The same symptoms occur the day after I exercise and after invasive dental work sometimes. My O2 sat has never been above 94% ( it was always 98-100) and my ekg has had a non-specifice abnormality since this event.

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gjaleski | @gjaleski | Jun 2, 2023

One can get a "Fit to Fly" test to determine if, and how much, oxygen support one may need to fly safely.

The available oxygen in a commercial plane ranges between 6 and 8 thousand feet altitude, which is pretty thin.

If your at rest SP02 is below 96, you may want to get the test.

Getting up to use the bathroom may lower your SPO2 below 88.

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1 reply
Mary D | @maryd | Jun 3, 2023
In reply to @gjaleski "One can get a "Fit to Fly" test to determine if, and how much, oxygen support..." + (show)
@gjaleski

One can get a "Fit to Fly" test to determine if, and how much, oxygen support one may need to fly safely.

The available oxygen in a commercial plane ranges between 6 and 8 thousand feet altitude, which is pretty thin.

If your at rest SP02 is below 96, you may want to get the test.

Getting up to use the bathroom may lower your SPO2 below 88.

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Very good information. Thank you. I"m not sure why a doctor has not mentioned this over the many years that I have been seeking an answer. I'm assuming a doctor would have to order this test? Have you had the test yourself or do you know what it entails?

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gjaleski | @gjaleski | Jun 3, 2023

Yes,I have had the test, and yes a physician referral is required to be covered by insurance.

The test involves wearing a breathing mask and breathing in air that has the same amoint of oxygen as one breathes at 8000 feet altitude for twenty minutes.

If your blood-ox decreases to 88%, then additional oxygen is supplied.

Did you measure your blood ox while you were flying?

The test is common in Europe and larger American medical institutions. Unfortunately many pulmonologists are ill-informed and incurious.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5980482/#:~:text=If%20your%20oxygen%20levels%20are%20OK%2C%20your%20healthcare%20professional%20may,for%20up%20to%2020%20minutes.

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Christine | @thisoldewe | Jun 9, 2023

With Air Canada there is a medical form your doctor has to fill out. Then the medical doctors at Air Canada make their requirements. Each airline will have their own requirements. Last time, I didn't "pass" the "Fit to Fly" examination paperwork.
I have flown with Oxygen: complete with tank and nasal cannula. It was a good trip!
All that to say, we can fly safely with the correct medical equipment. It is up to your doctors directives.
Good luck in setting this up and Bon Voyage!!

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