Air travel can cause or aggravate certain pathological conditions; some of these can expose passengers to minor inconveniences, others are considered a real contraindication to the flight.
First of all, long-distance air travel can involve risks related to prolonged immobility ( thromboembolic disease ), time lag ( jet lag ) and the possibility of contracting an infectious disease . During flight, turbulence can cause motion sickness or injury . However, especially those with pre-existing acute or chronic diseases are at risk.
Changes in pressure, humidity and oxygen concentration in the air cabin can harm people with cardio-vascular diseases (eg recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina and heart failure) and respiratory diseases (eg asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, emphysema pulmonary or lung cancer). Even people who have undergone recent thoracic or abdominal, intraocular and obstetric-gynecological surgery should consult their doctor before leaving. Conditions that increase health risks during the flight also include inflammatory diseases of the gastro-intestinal tract, nephropathies that require dialysis, chronic hepatitis and immunodeficiency due to treatment or HIV infections. Other emergencies can be given by epileptic seizures, bowel obstruction, pneumothorax, diabetes mellitus, severe anemia and psychiatric disorders.
Any traveler with a chronic illness must carry all the medications and medical equipment necessary for the entire duration of the trip, as well as always consulting his / her own doctor before departure. Upon request, the airlines take action to accommodate patients who need special equipment (eg wheelchairs, respirators or IV fluids), subject to a few days' notice. Furthermore, most airliners are equipped with first aid equipment, such as an external defibrillator and basic medical devices. The crew is trained on basic first aid techniques to deal with critical situations.
