Lung disease sufferers 'can travel by air with oxygen therapy'
Patients with lung diseases can travel by air without problems, although some may need oxygen therapy while flying, a study has claimed.
According to the paper, Predicting the Response to Air Travel in Passengers with Non-Obstructive Lung Disease: Are the Current Guidelines Appropriate?, the British Thoracic Society's (BTS's) guidelines are accurate in predicting which travellers will need supplemental oxygen while on a plane.
"By using the BTS recommendations, we are able to identify the subjects that needed supplemental oxygen during the flight. These findings should add confidence to passengers with pulmonary disorders wishing to travel," said co-author Dr. Paul Kelly from the Respiratory Physiology Laboratory at Christchurch Hospital.
Dr Phyllis Starkey, MP for Milton Keynes South West, recently told MK News that those who require oxygen canisters should be allowed to take them on flights free of charge.
She made the claim after John Mugford, who sufferers from emphysema, pleaded with her to support his campaign calling on firms to get rid of the charge, after he was asked to pay £200 for using oxygen on flights.
Posted by James Worrall
09/02/2010 18:45:31
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