Chronic Lung Diseases in Children Under 12 Years Old and Their Physiological and Clinical Implications in Commercial Flights

Abstract

Flying became such a convenient way of travelling because it is easy, quick and safe. According to the Canadian Pediatric Society, each year 1 billion people fly anywhere around the world and it has been reported that the number of passengers under 12 years of age increased in airplane trips. The exposure of healthy children and others with respiratory conditions to low partial pressure ambient increased in the last 20 years. The risk of hypoxia is greater in this population because of its specific anatomy and physiology that can lead to possible ventilationperfusion mismatch, vasoconstriction and bronchospasm. This article consists of a review of the literature and it aims to analyze the physiological and clinical implications related to commercial flights of chronic lung diseases in children under 12 years of age; to identify which of them may restrain or contraindicate this activity and to discuss the use of oxygen in-flight. We conclude that there are few absolute contraindications. However, current studies portray no scientific evidence. So, a rigorous fly assessment is necessary to promote security. Pediatricians are therefore responsible for an adequate clinical history and recommendations.