Air travel. Precautions to undertake.

Commercial flights fly at around 3500 m height. At this altitude oxygen is less. Cabin oxygen concentration inside the plane is 15-17 % ( normal oxygen concentration in air is 21%) Under these conditions Oxygen levels fall from 97% to 92% . Normal human beings can withstand this decreased concentration of oxygen by increasing their respiratory rate . But in certain newborns and children  this ability is compromised hence ,  There are certain guidelines for air travel. 1) full term babies with normal weight with no health concern can travel by air after 1 week of age. 2) any one who has a chest tube for moderate pleural fluid should not travel by air. 3) Air travel can be undertaken in emergency if the chest tube removal took place one month prior to the travel date. 4) high risk children who have oxygen requirements should undergo fitness to fly test before booking air tickets. This test is available with a Pediatric Pulmonologist.