Traveling is a mood-lifting experience that many people look forward to, but for some individuals who are undergoing Dialysis treatment, the thought for them of traveling, and that too by air can be very discomforting. A lot of people may have this question it is possible for Dialysis patients to travel by air, in this guide will try to find the answer for the same and look at the possibilities for dialysis patients to travel by air who wish for it.
Dialysis patients can have concerns about managing medical needs, finding ways for the logistics of air travel, and staying healthy.
Before we get going with our guide and get on any air travel journey, it is always recommended and advised to consult with their doctors.
What is Dialysis?
Dialysis is a treatment that proves to be life-saving for people who have kidney failure. The treatment involves the process of removing waste products and excess fluids from the body when the kidney is not able to perform this function. That is why there are concerns about if it is possible for dialysis patients to travel by air. There are primarily two forms of dialysis: hemodialysis, which filters the blood using a machine, and Peritoneal dialysis, which filters the blood using the lining of the abdomen.
Challenges for Dialysis Patients to Travel by Air
There are certain challenges that Dialysis Patients have to face to travel by air. One of the concerns is to make sure that if the destination they are going to will have access to treatment of dialysis or not. Dialysis patients are required to be taken care of multiple times a week.
Another concern for dialysis patients to travel by air includes the logistics of dialysis equipment and supplies like machines, and medication. Keeping these things in check can help the dialysis patient address any medical need that may arise during travel.
Tips for Dialysis Patients to travel by air
Despite all the challenges, yes it is possible for Dialysis patients to travel by air with careful planning and considering all the challenges that can arise during the travel. Below are some of the tips that can help in making air travel more comfortable for the patients so that they can enjoy their journey as well.
Plan before
Make sure that you have researched dialysis centers at your travel destination so that you do not have to worry about anything in case of an emergency. Also, ensure to contact them and make sure that they can fit in visiting patients and have all the supplies needed
Inform the airlines
Inform the airlines about your medical condition and make sure to take them in confidence. Also, make sure that they have all the required equipment and supplies for the treatment of dialysis patients. The airlines usually have specific procedures for patients, and in your case, dialysis patient to travel by air, so make sure to contact and inform the airlines about your special needs and condition.
Thoughtfully pack
For dialysis patients to travel by air, they should make sure they are packing wisely and carry all the necessary medicines, medical records, and a list of emergency contacts.
Stay Informed
Make sure that you’re well informed about all the airline’s rules and regulations related to medical equipment supplies to avoid any miscommunication later on. Be aware of any medical document or certificate that the airline might need for patients traveling with dialysis equipment.
Wrap Up
Hopefully, this guide might have answered your question of whether it is possible for dialysis patients to travel. Indeed it is okay for dialysis patients to travel if they take care of all the necessary precautions and procedures during airlines travel. Dialysis patients should research before about the dialysis center in the travel destination to avoid any happening later on. They should also communicate with the airlines about their medical needs and pack essential equipment and medicine for their traveling journey. Taking care of all these things can make sure that the patient has a safe and secure journey to their destination.
FAQ’s
Yes, it is okay for dialysis patient to travel by air if they take care of all the necessary precautions and procedures during air travel.
Dialysis patients can be impacted by altitude in several ways, such as their EPO response, fluid retention, survival rates, MBD status, and blood gas disorders.
Traveling may have an impact on transplanted kidneys and increase the possibility of issues.