5 Tips for Traveling With Pulmonary Fibrosis

Having pulmonary fibrosis has an impact on many aspects of life. A person may not be able to walk, climb stairs, or may just tire easily. However, one can still enjoy life and its simple pleasures, such as going on vacation.

Traveling requires a lot more planning with pulmonary fibrosis. Here are some tips that can help, according to Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis and Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland:

1. If you have low oxygen levels, flying might cause some discomfort. If this is the case, consult with your doctor. You may need further tests to find out if flying could pose a problem.

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2. If you require oxygen concentrators, it’s important to plan ahead to make sure everything’s ready for the flight. Talk to your airline so they can provide you with a TSA-approved portable oxygen concentrator (you’ll need to file a form which your doctor will need to sign), and make sure you have replacement batteries in case of a layover.

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3. If you don’t require oxygen all the time it could makes things a little more complicated because of airlines’ insurance policies.  However, you do have the option of renting a concentrator.

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4. Patients who cannot fly may still travel by car, train, or even boat. If you’re going across mountains, turn up your oxygen flow until you find yourself at a lower altitude.

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5. Make sure to always pack extra oxygen in case of any delays. There are now concentrators that can work through car batteries, so if your travel plans involve longer car trips, you might want to consider traveling with those.

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Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.