Thursday, September 26, 2013

Q: For how many days air travel should be avoided after resolution of pneumothorax?


Answer:

Air travel should be avoided for up to 7 days after complete resolution of a pneumothorax. Some guidelines even prefer to wait for 2 weeks. A followup CXR should be obtained prior to travel to confirm resolution of pneumothorax.



Reference: 


1. MacDuff A, Arnold A, Harvey J, BTS Pleural Disease Guideline Group (December 2010). "Management of spontaneous pneumothorax: British Thoracic Society pleural disease guideline 2010". Thorax 65 (8): ii18–ii31

2. Practice Guideline, Orlando Regional Medical Center. Air travel following traumatic pneumothorax. October 2009.

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