Contraindications to commercial air travel< Infectious tuberculosis.< Ongoing pneumothorax with persistent air leak.< Major haemoptysis.< Usual oxygen requirement at sea level at a flow rate exceeding4 l/min.

Travel Guidelines for Patients with Specific Medical Conditions

Cardiac conditions

Uncomplicated myocardial infarction Air travel is not advised within three weeks.

Myocardial infarction complicated by arrhythmias or left

ventricular dysfunction

Delay air travel until complications are adequately controlled.

Recent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty No contraindication if patient is stable.

Recent coronary artery bypass grafting Air travel is not advised within two weeks of procedure.

Pregnancy

Routine

Medical certificate from physician required if estimated delivery date

is within four weeks of flight.

Air travel is not recommended within seven days of estimated delivery date

for domestic destinations or within four weeks for overseas destinations.

Complicated Air travel is not advised.

Deep venous thrombosis Preventive measures may include periodic in-flight walks, isometric calf

exercises, support stockings and adequate hydration.

Consider use of subcutaneous heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin in

high-risk travelers.

Communicable diseases (including tuberculosis and

measles)

Delay travel until period of communicability is over.

Orthopedic injuries Use bivalve casts to prevent circulatory problems.

Release air from pneumatic splints (if use is allowed) before flight.

Keep extremity elevated as much as possible.

Epilepsy Ensure therapeutic levels of anti-epileptic medications.

Consider a temporary, small increase in dosage.

Travel with identification bracelet.

Psychiatric conditions Consider mild sedative, avoidance of alcohol, or both.

Suggest traveling with companion.

Notify airline personnel in advance.

Middle ear blockage Can be prevented by use of topical/systemic decongestants,

Valsalva maneuver.

Chewing gum or frequent swallowing may be helpful.