[Air travel and oxygen therapy for passengers with respiratory diseases]

The CME article addresses the requirements and recommendations for air travel suitability in patients with respiratory diseases such as COPD, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), interstitial lung diseases, and other lung function impairments. Due to the reduced oxygen partial pressure at flight altitude, hypoxemia in affected patients can worsen, potentially leading to serious symptoms and complications. Diagnostic algorithms, including the Hypoxic Challenge Test (HCT), are presented to assess air travel suitability and oxygen requirements, discussed in the context of the specific respiratory condition. Therapeutic recommendations include general advice, such as avoiding alcohol and sedatives before and during the flight and may extend to the use of oxygen or ventilation devices (CPAP, NIV) on board the aircraft. Thorough pre-travel planning is essential, especially for long-haul and overnight flights.