Question 1

how long after a collapsed lung can you fly?

Accepted Answer

It depends: Patients should discuss their specific circumstances with their physician. It depends on the cause and/or associated abnormality/disease of a patient's lung.  Pneumothorax may be caused by chest trauma or from abnormalities in the lung tissue itself.  Sometimes, it is recommended that surgery be performed to remove abnormal areas of lung tissue. Discuss with thoracic surgeon.

Question 2

is it safe to fly after a collapsed lung?

Accepted Answer

Not for 6-8 weeks: It usually takes 6-8 weeks for lung to heal itself especially if the collapsed lung was caused by an air leak in the chest (pneumothorax). In this case, you should also avoid playing wind instruments, scuba diving & take precautions to avoid having constipation. Collapsed lung from other causes (there are many others) can recover sooner. Talk to your doctor to discuss your specific circumstances.

Question 3

what happens if you try to fly with a partially collapsed lung?

Accepted Answer

Depends on pressure: When flying with a partly collapsed lung, the leaked air in the chest (between the lung and rib cage) expands as the outside air pressure drops as the plane goes up. The expanding trapped air compresses the lung & heart, leading to shortness of breath, inadequate oxygen intake, poor circulation and death. Flying at low altitudes won't expand the trapped air much, but the plane might hit something.

Question 4

could i fly with a partially collapsed lung?

Accepted Answer

NO: Not a good idea. The airplane air is under prfessure ie pressureized cabin and could increase the ptx  while in flight needing emergency  chest tube placement.

Question 5

can i fly with a collapsed lung?

Accepted Answer

If..: Treated by pleurodesis or lung has been documented to be expanded on a chest x-ray.

Question 6

what is the risk of flying with a collapsed lung?

Accepted Answer

Death: If you have air trapped outside your lung but inside your chest ( as you will see in a collapsed lung) when you ascend to altitude that air will expand and press on surrounding lung.  Depending on size and your anatomy this can cause a variety of problems right up to death.  Your pulmonologist can tell you when it is safe to fly.

Question 7

is there risk of flying with a partially collapsed lung?

Accepted Answer

Yes, low pressure: Airline flights typically pressurize cabins to the equivalent of 
being 5000 feet high.  The pressure in the cabin is lower than
while on the ground.  If the lung is partially collapsed and the
air pressure is lower, it is possible to not get enough oxygen.  Would be best to treat and correct the lung collapase and check
oxygen levels prior to flying.

Question 8

my 4 year old has a partially collapsed lung due to infection.  i forgot to ask her consultant if she is able to fly.  could anyone advise?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It seems he has atelectasis/consolidation ( scientific for collapse lung). As long as patients do not have chronic lung problems and have normal oxygen level it is ok to fly.

Question 9

cough for about 30 days,  chest x ray revealed partially collapsed lung (about 20%). just finished azithromycin.   pa at urgent care says i can fly?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Because of  commercial aircraft cabin pressurization systems and  20% or less is involved, it should be ok to fly. Many people with only one lung can fly without problems.  You may want  to wear a mask to protect your airway from new infections while healing from this one

Question 10

doctors, can my husband ride rollercoasters after a collapsed lung?

Accepted Answer

Timing: If your lung is currently "collapsed", i.e. Your pneumothorax has not resolved, you should wait until recovered.  It is generally safe to engage in regular activities if pneumothorax is fully resolved, with guidance/instructions from your thoracic surgeon.  However, until surgical evaluation and/or treatment, limit activities accordingly.

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Doctor answers about:

Flying after a collapsed lung

A member asked:

How long after a collapsed lung can you fly?

A member asked:

Is it safe to fly after a collapsed lung?

A member asked:

What happens if you try to fly with a partially collapsed lung?

A member asked:

Could i fly with a partially collapsed lung?

A member asked:

Can i fly with a collapsed lung?

A member asked:

What is the risk of flying with a collapsed lung?

A member asked:

Is there risk of flying with a partially collapsed lung?

A member asked:

My 4 year old has a partially collapsed lung due to infection. i forgot to ask her consultant if she is able to fly. could anyone advise?

A member asked:

Cough for about 30 days, chest x ray revealed partially collapsed lung (about 20%). just finished azithromycin. pa at urgent care says i can fly?

A member asked:

Doctors, can my husband ride rollercoasters after a collapsed lung?

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