I have fairly advanced COPD and use an oxygen concentrator while sleeping. I was hospitalized twice in 2016 due to respiratory infections. Actually, I believe the second hospitalization was due to not resolving the first one appropriately. This spring and summer, I have worked myself to long walks of up to 4 miles in mostly flat terrain during mild weatherr. I really feel the strain when I do encounter hills. This past weekend I noticed a worsening cough and shortness of breath. I am set to make an eight hour flight on Saturday, so I asked my doctor to prescribe me a Z pack which he did. My last dose is to be taken tomorrow. I am now reading upper 80s and low 90s at rest. I already have a Simply Go concentrator for the trip prescribed as a pulse level 3 while flying. I have been looking forward to this vacation for so long, but I am, needless to say, about anxious about the flight.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Yes, you can definitely fly with portable oxygen concentrator. No need to worry about this. You should also carry albuterol inhaler for emergency situations. Albuterol is short-acting beta 2 agonists. It is rescue bronchodilator. It acts within seconds.Don't panic and be anxious. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.