The idea of getting on a plane again and heading off somewhere exciting is something many of us cannot wait to do. For most people, this is easy – we simply book a ticket, arrive at the airport, check-in, and fly. Yet for some people, it is not quite so easy. Some medical conditions could prevent you from flying, and rather than booking a vacation and finding out flying is not possible, it is best to know what some of these conditions are in advance so you can be prepared. Read on to find out more.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
The air within a plane is pressurized, and this means that it is less saturated with oxygen. For most people, this is not something that causes any problems; many will barely notice it, and most will not feel any difference at all from the normal air they breathe on the ground. For those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also known as COPD), it can actually be very dangerous.
COPD means that the lungs are less able to take in oxygen, and if there is less oxygen in the air as well, this means that breathing can become labored, and in some cases, it might be fatal. This is why most airlines will recommend you do not fly when you have COPD.
Cataracts
Although cataracts in themselves are not dangerous when on a flight – your eyesight will not become worse because of the pressure, for example – it is still potentially hazardous to fly when you suffer from this condition.
When you have cataracts, your eyesight will be limited, and sometimes you will not be able to see at all. In an airport, many obstacles could potentially harm you if you cannot see them, not to mention that if there were to be an emergency onboard, it would be hard to evacuate the plane safely without your full vision. Of course, a cataract lens implant would solve this issue, and if you have had cataracts in the past but don’t have them any longer, flying wouldn’t be a problem.
Stroke
When flying, it has been ascertained that there is an increased risk of developing a condition known as deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. This is essentially a blood clot that forms within the body, often due to poor circulation and the fact that you will be seated for an extended period. These clots can be fatal.
If you have had a stroke or you suffer from transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or ‘mini-strokes’), then your circulation may not be as healthy as it could be, and you may be at greater risk of developing a DVT. Before you book a flight, you should speak to your doctor about whether or not it is safe to fly. If it is safe, it will depend on how long ago the stroke was, how many you have had, and what medication you are now on, if any.
