how does flying on a plane affect a person with asthma?

Question

I will be traveling on a plane in april and i have both asthma and allergies( to dust mites) and I haven't actually taken my inhaler for a while now. I go for check ups like every 4 months there hasn't been really anything new. I actually have two inhalers, one that i am supposed to take about 15 minutes before exercise( which i never actually used) and the other for wheezing and when i get a cold or flu( which i also never really use), but this is my first time traveling on a plane and to San Francisco and I wanted to know how it can affect my asthma.

Thank you

Jason · Accepted Answer

The cabin altitude of commercial flights is around 5,000 feet -- roughly the equivalent of living in Denver. The partial pressure of oxygen is lower at this altitude, but it is not usually a problem for asthmatics unless they are already in the midst of an attack. Oxygen deprivation is not the primary problem during an asthma attack and a drop in blood oxygen is usually the last thing to go in a failing asthmatic. If you are otherwise well-controlled, you shouldn't have a problem flying. Do make sure you have your rescue inhaler easily accessible though. You never know what kind of triggers you're going to run into on a trip.

Swaroop · Answer

Even I suffer from Wheezing. But i am not an asthma patient. you need to be carefully if you have cold or flu. Last time i had this and while landing and take off of flight I had terrible pain in my ears. It is advisable apply ear drops before you start to airport and apply before 30 minutes of landing time. 
Related to Astma - I am not sure and May be other's can comment. But I never had any problem of wheezing at all in the flight.

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how does flying on a plane affect a person with asthma?

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