Altitude exposures during commercial flight: A reappraisal

摘要

Background: Hypobaric hypoxia during commercial air travel has the potential to cause or worsen hypoxemia in individuals with pre-existing cardiopulmonary compromise. Knowledge of cabin altitude pressures aboard contemporary fl ights is essential to counseling patients accurately about fl ying safety. The objective of the study was to measure peak cabin altitudes during U.S. domestic commercial fl ights on a variety of aircraft. Methods: A handheld mountaineering altimeter was carried by the investigators in the plane cabin during commercial air travel and peak cabin altitude measured. The values were then compared between aircraft models, aircraft classes, and distances fl own. Results: The average peak cabin altitude on 207 fl ights aboard 17 different aircraft was 6341 6 1813 ft (1933 m 6 553 m ), signifi cantly higher than when measured in a similar fashion in 1988. Peak cabin altitude was signifi cantly higher for fl ights longer than 750 mi (7085 6 801 ft) compared to shorter fl ights (5160 6 2290 ft/1573 6 698 m). Cabin altitude increased linearly with fl ight distance for fl ights up to 750 mi in length, but was independent of fl ight distance for fl ights exceeding 750 mi. Peak cabin altitude was less than 5000 ft (1524 m) in 70% of fl ights shorter than 500 mi. Peak cabin altitudes greater than 8000 ft (2438 m) were measured on approximately 10% of the total fl ights. Conclusions: Peak cabin altitude on commercial aircraft fl ights has risen over time. Cabin altitude is lower with fl ights of shorter distance. Physicians should take these factors into account when determining an individual ' s need for supplemental oxygen during commercial air travel.