Can flying cause collapsed lung?

suggest that flying may cause a small pneumothorax to develop, which is then aggravated by further air pressure changes, most commonly the return flight. Thus, they recommend that patients are assessed for pneumothorax before making the return flight, although realistically this may not always be possible.



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Changes in atmospheric pressure are related to a higher incidence of spontaneous primary pneumothorax. Atmospheric pressure changes from day to day are usually small. However, during flying or diving significant changes in pressure will occur.

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Traveling by airplane exposes people to decreased air pressure and lower than normal oxygen levels. For most people, these changes are not noticeable. However, for patients with certain underlying lung conditions, small atmospheric changes can have significant and potentially severe effects.

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In a plane at cruising altitude, the air pressure is the same as that on a 2,400-metre mountain peak. This significant difference from the air pressure at ground level can cause expansion of the air trapped in the patient's pleural space and a worsening of existing pneumothorax.

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Changes in atmospheric pressure are related to a higher incidence of spontaneous primary pneumothorax. Atmospheric pressure changes from day to day are usually small. However, during flying or diving significant changes in pressure will occur.

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Severe episodes (massive embolism) present with collapse, severe breathlessness, and central chest pain. Symptoms of VTE commonly develop during or immediately after a flight, often while still in the airport.

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After successful treatment where the air has been drained and the lungs can fully expand again, most patients can fly within one to three weeks.

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The main aspect of in-flight health that most of us will encounter is tiredness and changes to circadian rhythms. Flying often involves getting up at unsociable hours, inadequate sleep and messing up the body clock — all of which leave us more susceptible to being hit nastily by any bugs that may be floating about.

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