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A member asked:
I broke #5 & #6 ribs mountain biking and as a result have a 15% pneumothorax. how long before i can fly commercially?
5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Discuss with doctor: Best wishes and speedy recovery. Generally, should not be flying or high altitude travel if still have a pneumothorax. After full re-expansion, most thoracic surgeons would recommend somewhere between 4 to 6 weeks before high altitude travel. Your post-trauma treating surgeon would know your case best and be best able to provide safest guidance and recommendations.
Answered 12/9/2013
5.3k views
When it resolves: Generally, once the pneumothorax resolves, you are good to travel. Airplanes are pressurized, and higher pressure settings, like diving, are not recommended with a pneumothorax.
Answered 5/31/2013
5.2k views
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