Peter Greenberg: Flying and Emphysema

By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org

Will flying affect someone with emphysema?
–Carol, Savannah, Ga.

There's no one answer to this question. Emphysema is characterized as a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseaese (COPD), as is chronic bronchitis. Patients with COPD are advised to see their doctor well in advance of their flights for fitness-to-fly assessments. As altitude can decrease the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream, some people with emphysema require oxygen when flying.