What Is Emphysema?

By jolene

Article Sources

Medical Expert

More About Us

10. Patient Education

Patients with COPD should be aware that air travel may present an issue to them as many commercial airplanes fly at 30,000 to 40,000 feet with passenger cabins pressurized to 5,000 to 8,000 feet, resulting in an atmospheric partial pressure of oxygen at 132 to 109 mmHg instead of 159 mmHg if at sea level. This reduction in partial pressure of oxygen can cause hyperventilation in COPD patients. In normal individuals, this change is subtle and does not affect them. Patients with COPD may require supplemental oxygen. Arrangements can be made before the flight with an extra expense. Another issue is the possibility of decrease in partial pressure of oxygen during sleep. Patients with a partial pressure of oxygen of greater than 60 mmHg during the daytime may benefit from oxygen supplementation during sleep.