Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
Can i fly with a collapsed lung?
9 doctors weighed in across 6 answers
If..: Treated by pleurodesis or lung has been documented to be expanded on a chest x-ray.
Answered 10/27/2012
5.6k views
Probably: Air cabins are pressurized nowadays and usually people with minor lung problems can fly fine. If your condition is unstable or if you require oxygen, you may need to consult with your doctor or even a lung specialist (pulmonologist) before you do so.
Answered 4/30/2013
5.6k views
Generally NO: If your lung is currently "collapsed", i.e. Your pneumothorax has not resolved, you should refrain from air travel, skydiving, high altitude travel, and scuba diving. It is generally safe to travel by commercial airline after your pneumothorax is fully resolved, with guidance/instructions from your surgeon. However, until surgical evaluation and/or treatment, refrain from skydiving and scuba.
Answered 5/23/2018
5.3k views
No: No, very dangerous if collapse is due to pneumothorax, lower pressure in plane at altitude can make collapse worse.
Answered 8/15/2015
2.4k views
Discuss MD: Until surgical evaluation and/or treatment, refrain from flying and scuba. With guidance/instructions from your surgeon, it is generally safe to travel by commercial airline after your pneumothorax is fully resolved (~4weeks). If your lung is currently "collapsed", i.e. Your pneumothorax has not resolved, you should refrain from air travel, skydiving, high altitude travel, and scuba diving.
Answered 10/23/2017
4.9k views
At least a week: The puncture in the lung needs to fully seal before you fly. Usually a week is fine.
Answered 9/30/2013
4.9k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
Is there risk of flying with a partially collapsed lung?
6 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
My husbands lung collapsed. He was in the Netherlands and the doctors treated him with what I suppose is a chest tube. He is fine but will have another check up. How long until he can fly back to Cape Town?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
My wife has secondary lung cancer,primary breast.The middle right lobe has collapsed due to external pressure.Can she fly?
4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
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?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
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?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
People also searched for:
Is it possible for you to fly on plane if you have a collaped lung?
What happens if you try to fly with a partially collapsed lung?
I had lung surgery just over 4 months ago on my right side and my left side had collapsed 3 times but not for over 3 years is it safe to fly toamerica?
Can you fly after a lung collapse ?
What is the risk of flying with a collapsed lung?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
