Blog | Air ambulance | Repatriation from abroad (2024)

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A chest infection is an infection that affects the lungs. Because of a buildup of mucus and pus, the lower large airways swell, making breathing difficult. Chest infections of viral or bacterial origin are common, particularly after a cold or flu. Although the vast majority are harmless and resolve on their own, a few are serious or even fatal. The sick and heavy smokers, as well as young children and the elderly, are particularly vulnerable. For these people, a chest infection can be life-threatening.

The key points to remember about flying with a chest infection:

The two most common types of chest infections are bronchitis and pneumonia. Their most common symptoms are fatigue, coughing, and shortness of breath. Flying after a chest infection is only advised if the patient is no longer contagious. If they still feel vulnerable after recovering or if they need to travel urgently, an air ambulance is their best bet.

What are the common types of chest infections?

Bronchitis and pneumonia are the two most common types of chest infections.

There are two types of chest/pulmonary infections based on whether the infection is viral or bacterial in nature:

• Bronchitis occurs when the lungs' larger airways (bronchi) become infected. Bronchitis causes irritation or inflammation of the bronchi.
• Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs' smaller air sacs (alveoli), which causes inflammation in one or both lungs. This is the most serious type of chest infection.

What are the symptoms of a chest infection?

The first signs of a chest infection are similar to those of influenza: weakness, headache, muscle pain, dry cough and fever.

The cause and severity of the infection, the patient's age, and the presence of any other medical issues all influence the consequent symptoms of a chest infection. However, the following are the primary symptoms of a chest infection:

• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Congested nose
• Rapid heartbeat
• Persistent cough
• Chest pain or tightness
• Blue color around the lips
• Headaches and general aches and pains
• Coughing up yellow/green phlegm or blood
• Wheezing, breathlessness or rapid and shallow breathing
• Feeling confused, disorientated and more tired than usual
• A high temperature of 38°C or more (sweating, shivering, chills)
• A child may vomit and have diarrhea and be lethargic or irritable.

How long after a chest infection can you fly?

Flying after a chest infection may be possible after 7 to 10 days, as most chest infections resolve within this time frame.

Patients with active or contagious chest infections should avoid traveling until they are no longer infectious, as they may infect those sitting next to them. Flying is usually possible 7 to 10 days after the infection, even though the cough and mucus can last up to 3 weeks. Because pneumonia is the most severe form of chest infection, flying is only possible when the patient has completely recovered with no residual infection.

What are the risks of flying commercially with a chest infection?

The main risk of flying commercially while suffering from a chest infection is acute respiratory distress.

The oxygen level and atmospheric pressure are respectively lower and higher than we are used to in a pressurized cabin. Passengers with a chest infection are especially vulnerable to these changes. If they suffer from hypoxia (a lack of oxygen in the blood) for an extended period of time, their pre-existing symptoms may worsen, or they may develop new ones.

Confusion, restlessness, difficulty breathing, a rapid heart rate, bluish skin, headaches, dizziness, acute fatigue, and memory or concentration problems are all symptoms of hypoxia. Long-haul flights, which amplify the negative effects of hypoxia and ultimately deprive the lungs of oxygen for too long, can result in potentially life-threatening complications.

Furthermore, flying while suffering from a chest infection has an impact on more than just the pulmonary system. Because a chest infection frequently means having a congested nose, changes in atmospheric pressure affect the nose and the ears as well, which are unable to equalize the pressure differences. This can lead to dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), bleeding, eardrum rupture, and hearing loss.

Who is especially vulnerable when flying commercially with a chest infection?

Certain passengers have a higher risk of developing serious complications from a chest infection, such as:

• Elderly people
• Heavy smokers
• Pregnant women
• Morbidly obese individuals
• Babies and very young children
• Children with developmental issues
• Passengers with a weakened immune system after cancer therapy, a recent transplant or an HIV infection
• People with chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, asthma, bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

How to fly safely when with a chest infection?

Flying at sea level, which can only be arranged through an air ambulance, is the safest way to travel with a chest infection.

To reduce the risk of hypoxia while flying, we recommend chartering a medical aircraft. To ensure your safety in the air, we can arrange sea-level flights and adjust the atmospheric pressure in our cabins to be closer to that found on the ground.

How can an air ambulance help patients with a chest infection?

During the transfer, a medical team consisting of at least one doctor and one nurse attends to each patient to ensure their safety and well-being. They can provide medical attention and supplemental oxygen, as well as intervene in the event of a mid-flight emergency. Furthermore, our air ambulances carry cutting-edge medical equipment. Such devices include oxygen concentrators, pulse oximeters, or mucus aspirators. We can also provide pediatric incubators for flying sick babies and children safely.

When is opting for a medical escort a good idea?

Traveling with a medical escort is only advised if the patient is stable, non-contagious, and unlikely to experience serious complications during the flight.

If you've recovered from your chest infection but still feel vulnerable, having a medical escort accompany you on your journey is a less expensive option than chartering a dedicated air ambulance. You should, however, be stable, no longer contagious, and not require complex care.

What are the benefits of our aeromedical services?

As your trusted air ambulance service provider and with your best interests in mind, we adhere to international security and healthcare standards. We also collaborate with authorities from all over the world and provide all-inclusive aeromedical services, such as our bedside-to-bedside service which ensures continuous patient care.

Individualized care

Our mission is centered on patient care. On all air ambulance flights, our medical teams are committed to providing competent and individualized patient care. They are made up of licensed professionals, many of whom are trained in emergency medicine and flight physiology.

Focus on safety

As part of our ongoing commitment to quality patient care and experience, we invest in the resources needed to maintain patient safety, while dealing with the complexities of healthcare.

A team of professionals

We are the helping hand when one is most needed. We can assist you in managing all of the details of your medical repatriation so that you can focus on what is most important - safely arriving at your next destination. Our case managers can coordinate with airlines, healthcare facilities, and other relevant authorities to ensure that your medical flight takes place smoothly.

Contact us right away!

If you need to travel long distances with a chest infection, please contact us. Our representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any questions you may have and to plan your medical flight.