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For breathing problem in flight, how much O2 should I use?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had chronic asthma and allergies in my whole life. I am currently taking four puffs of Qvar three times a day, Accolate twice a day, Xopenex as needed and DuoNeb as needed (nebulizer). I am in control almost all the time. I also have a hyperactive immune system where I end up with chronic pneumonia. The last time when I traveled in flight, I had breathing problems for about an hour and then on and off for the next three days. I discussed this with my primary care doctor and he suggested that the cabin pressure exasperated my asthma. Then, the altitude change continued to stress my lungs. He suggested using an oxygen concentrator in flight next time. I fly again in two weeks and as needed. I did not know how much I should use. Is it reasonable to check my oxygen (O2) blood levels and then use O2 based on these readings? How many liters per minute should I start with? How long would I expect it to take to recover or increase the amount? Or should I just use the concentrator for the last hour or two of my flight and see how it goes? If so, then how many liters per minute should I use?

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anshul Varshney is a highly skilled Critical Care Physician specializing in nephrology, pulmonology, and rheumatology. He is committed to providing advanced, life-saving care to critically ill patients while addressing complex medical conditions affecting the kidneys, lungs, and immune system. His holistic and multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive treatment tailored to individual patient needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

We are here to help you. Yes, your doctor is right that you probably developed altitude sickness. There is no point in measuring oxygen levels as initially at this stage your oxygen levels may come out to be normal. But, your body's acclimatization may be under process causing you trouble. The best option is to use oxygen at 0.26 to 0.53 gallons per minute during the flight hours. Even if this does not work, then the other option is to add up Acetazolamide. It will help greatly in these situations, but needs to be started 48 hours prior to your flight.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At September 28, 2016
Reviewed At June 16, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anshul Varshney is a highly skilled Critical Care Physician specializing in nephrology, pulmonology, and rheumatology. He is committed to providing advanced, life-saving care to critically ill patients while addressing complex medical conditions affecting the kidneys, lungs, and immune system. His holistic and multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive treatment tailored to individual patient needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anshul Varshney is a highly skilled Critical Care Physician specializing in nephrology, pulmonology, and rheumatology. He is committed to providing advanced, life-saving care to critically ill patients while addressing complex medical conditions affecting the kidneys, lungs, and immune system. His holistic and multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive treatment tailored to individual patient needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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