Fitness to fly

Assessing a patient's fitness to fly is a crucial aspect of travel medicine that requires careful consideration of various medical conditions and their potential impact during air travel. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of the UK provides comprehensive guidelines to assist clinicians in making informed decisions when advising patients on their suitability for air travel. These recommendations are based on an understanding of the unique environmental conditions encountered during flight, such as changes in cabin pressure and oxygen levels, and how these conditions might affect different health issues.

When evaluating a patient's fitness to fly, clinicians must consider the type, severity, and stability of the patient's medical condition, as well as any recent surgical interventions or acute medical events. The goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient during the flight, taking into account the risk of exacerbation of the condition or the onset of new symptoms. Key considerations include the patient's ability to tolerate the hypoxic environment of the aircraft cabin, the need for special accommodations or medical equipment during the flight, and the potential need for emergency medical care.

The guidelines provided by the CAA cover a wide range of conditions, including cardiovascular and respiratory...