LAM Fact Sheet
Air Travel?
Air travel may cause problems for patients with LAM and there are three reasons for this, all due to the fall in air pressure in the cabin as the plane gains height.
First, if you happen to have a small pneumothorax when you fly this will become larger and breathlessness is likely to get worse. Second, because LAM is associated with cysts in the lung, there will be an increased risk of a cyst expanding and causing a pneumothorax during air flight but the risk appears to be small. These two problems should not occur if your lung has been stuck down (pleurodesis). The third reason is that someone who is breathless on modest exertion for whatever reason is likely to be more breathless in an aeroplane because oxygen levels are lower.
In a survey in the US one in 20 patients with LAM had had a problem when flying; we don't know exactly what the problems were but most were not serious.
So how big is the risk? The risk appears to be fairly small as long as you have reasonable lung function and you have no symptoms prior to flying to suggest that you may have developed a small pneumothorax (symptoms would be an increase in breathlessness or chest pain). If you have symptoms before flying you may need a chest X-ray to confirm that you don't have a pneumothorax. The risks otherwise depend on individual factors including your lung function and whether your lung has been stuck down. If in doubt discuss it with your doctor.
Some patients with LAM have found it difficult to obtain insurance for holidays abroad whilst others have not. If you are having difficulty LAM Action may be able to help. See Travel Insurance in our Useful Information Section for details
