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Date: Wed, 07 Oct 1998 22:48:00 -0500
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Subject: Re: Flying and Asthma
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J L Bolinger wrote:
 
> Any other Asthmatics out there who are flying?

Yes, I have asthma for which I take daily medication (cromalyn
inhaler)

> I was wondering if you have a problem with high altitudes?

I have never had a problem in >500 hrs flying in small planes 
(~300 as pilot).  Highest altitude I've flown is 11,500 ft.  I
don't fly as PIC if my asthma is troubling me though.

The only problem I've had is that the heat in some planes
bothers my asthma.  It is simple to solve--turn off the heat.
It was a problem in the planes where I learned to fly, but
not since.  I now wonder if the muffler and exhaust shrouds
in those planes were abnormal in some way.  I would have a
mechanic check these if I ever experienced this again.

> I always carry my inhaler with me , but so far I have not needed
> it when flying---although I haven't been above 4000 ft yet.  The air 
> up there seems cleaner anyway.

Yes, it is a big relief to take off and emerge into cleaner air.

You may find you never need your inhaler, but it's a good idea
to keep it handy even though the FAA says nothing about this.
Depending upon your personal asthmatic triggers it is possible
that cold, or decreased oxygen at higher altitudes, could be 
triggers for you.

Snowbird


