PubHawk
Anaesthesia May 2005 PMID 15819766

The effect of high altitude commercial air travel on oxygen saturation.

S Humphreys, R Deyermond, I Bali, M Stevenson, J P H Fee

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Mentions

91
Peak: 15 in Mar 2019
across 4 sources since Mar 2019

Extended reach

2,673,167
potential audience

Total likes

32,841

Video views

2,072,831

Mentions per month

Mar 2019 – Jun 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter46 posts
  • News39 articles
  • YouTube4 videos
  • Blogs2 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The overall tone reflects curiosity and acknowledgment of the study’s significance, with users sharing specific data such as oxygen saturation levels dropping to 85% and 94%, and discussing potential health implications like the need for supplemental oxygen. The tone varies from scientific interest to safety concerns, demonstrating moderate engagement and a belief in the study’s relevance to health and airline safety practices.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most comments recognize and support the study’s findings about oxygen saturation dropping during flights, indicating general agreement with the research.

InterestHigh interest

The discussions show high interest, with many posts referencing specific data and suggesting medical considerations or safety concerns about oxygen levels.

EngagementModerate engagement

Posts demonstrate moderate engagement by discussing mechanisms, implications, and personal reactions, rather than dismissing or superficially mentioning the topic.

ImpactModerate impact

The conversations reflect a recognition of the study's potential importance, especially concerning health risks and passenger safety, indicating a fair influence.

Abstract in brief

  • Air travel has become more common and raises concerns about its impact on passengers' health, specifically oxygen levels, but research on this topic is limited.
  • During flights, a study measured oxygen saturation and pulse rate in 84 passengers aged 17 to 78, finding that oxygen levels significantly dropped at cruising altitude.
  • Over half of the passengers had oxygen saturation levels of 94% or lower at high altitude, which in hospital patients might indicate the need for supplemental oxygen.]
Read the full abstract

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Life Noggin
@LifeNoggin · X

Airplanes more like airPAINS! Amirite? ...anyone? ▶️: https://t.co/B2AJLVMwc4 https://t.co/wXUagjHnkl

Mar 4, 2019 · 54 likes · 3 shares · 47,264 followers View post →
Daniel Kraft, MD
@daniel_kraft · X

“Is there a doctor onboard?...” aroused me on this redeye flight, finding supine passenger (likely post vasovagal & hypoglycemic, perked up after OJ). Reminder: SpO2 is lower at cabin altitude. #medtwitter #aerospacemedicine https://t.co/t3dJ2eXWcR —> https://t.co/bSZSz5yD4l https://t.co/jpPSwsM2Pf

Apr 19, 2019 · 38 likes · 4 shares · 52,997 followers View post →
SciShow
@SciShow · X

If you aren't having a good time anytime you fly, it may be from more than just the lack of legroom. https://t.co/wUv0TAk82u https://t.co/IgiOufwe27

Dec 11, 2023 · 10 likes · 1 share · 115,780 followers View post →
Live Vitae
@livevitaeuk · X

Oxygen Saturation When flying why Methylene blue might be a GOOD idea

Oct 14, 2023 · 10 likes · 12,941 followers View post →
Miles Berger
@RealMilesBerger · X

fascinating- most people's O2 sats are in the low 90s on commercial airplanes at cruising altitude: https://t.co/qFguuzCn4A

Apr 2, 2023 · 8 likes · 1 share · 2,520 followers View post →
John Nosta
@JohnNosta · X

@ideapharma Interesting. https://t.co/A6IGyVRUNP

Mar 12, 2022 · 3 likes · 1 share · 81,402 followers View post →

All mentions

Robert Goldberg
@robgoldbergo · X

@arniesean @levelsio there can be - this study found people's SpO2 dropping as far as 85% at cruising altitude https://t.co/IxC8ltdJbn https://t.co/JCYLqBjozE

Jun 17, 2025 · 511 followers View post →
Fustbariclation
@fustbariclation · X

@AirlineHub1 " Fifty-four per cent of passengers had SpO2 values of 94% or less at cruising altitude. This is a value which may prompt physicians to administer supplemental oxygen in hospital patients. " https://t.co/8R1KIUbqGP

Jan 8, 2025 · 2,148 followers View post →
MinuteEarth (also on BlueSky)
@MinuteEarth · X

RT @SciShow: If you aren't having a good time anytime you fly, it may be from more than just the lack of legroom. https://t.co/wUv0TAk82u…

Dec 12, 2023 · 1 share · 55,404 followers View post →
SciShow
@SciShow · X

If you aren't having a good time anytime you fly, it may be from more than just the lack of legroom. https://t.co/wUv0TAk82u https://t.co/IgiOufwe27

Dec 11, 2023 · 10 likes · 1 share · 115,780 followers View post →
Sam s'agace
@chroniconoklast · X

Où j'apprends qu'on serait plus disposé à pleurer dans l'avion. https://t.co/De6xJRJXhg

Dec 10, 2023 · 1,173 followers View post →
Corine
@FloatingIsland · X

Why Do We Cry On Planes? https://t.co/UYSpp5sN8O via @YouTube

Dec 9, 2023 · 1 like · 418 followers View post →
BravoKitty411
@BravoKitty411 · X

Why Do We Cry On Planes? https://t.co/Y33jKm6dAo via @YouTube #scishow

Dec 8, 2023 · 35 followers View post →
kodiakbear
@kodiakbear1969 · X

SciShow https://t.co/q8z78zuDJe

Dec 8, 2023 · 97 followers View post →
mhaeberli
@mhaeberli · X

@MCCCANM Now, for comments on a -real- measurement one can meaningfully do: SpO2. See, e.g., https://t.co/j48B7ghtPC . I was told at a lecture a few years ago that the SpO2 for passengers tends to go down initially after cruise altitude is reached, then rebound back towards (not 2, norml)

Dec 6, 2023 · 1 like · 2,486 followers View post →
Live Vitae
@livevitaeuk · X

Oxygen Saturation When flying why Methylene blue might be a GOOD idea

Oct 14, 2023 · 10 likes · 12,941 followers View post →
notetoself
@Note2self28 · X

RT @livevitaeuk: Oxygen Saturation When flying why Methylene blue might be a GOOD idea

Oct 14, 2023 · 1 share · 345 followers View post →
Live Vitae
@livevitaeuk · X

Oxygen Saturation When flying why Methylene blue might be a GOOD idea

Oct 14, 2023 · 3 likes · 1 share · 12,941 followers View post →
Daniel
@DannyTheZebra · X

@MamaSitaa__ @inkblue01 altitude will drop your spo2; the plane is only partially pressurized; still that still seems very low. https://t.co/YjOOQqzLRB

Jun 22, 2023 · 1 like · 352 followers View post →
Tricia Pendergrast, MD
@trpender · X

@londyloo i blame the plane!! https://t.co/XMNlEGIGj3

Apr 17, 2023 · 3 likes · 25,268 followers View post →
Andre F. Gosling, MD
@AndreFGosling · X

RT @RealMilesBerger: fascinating- most people's O2 sats are in the low 90s on commercial airplanes at cruising altitude: https://t.co/qFguu…

Apr 3, 2023 · 1 share · 475 followers View post →
Miles Berger
@RealMilesBerger · X

fascinating- most people's O2 sats are in the low 90s on commercial airplanes at cruising altitude: https://t.co/qFguuzCn4A

Apr 2, 2023 · 8 likes · 1 share · 2,520 followers View post →
IntegralAnswers
@IntegralAnswers · X

@ericareport 2) https://t.co/PhIBY9U2vQ(SD,supplemental%20oxygen%20in%20hospital%20patients.

Jan 10, 2023 · 7,767 followers View post →
Robin Spence
@dynarobin · X

@RobertF24716569 @juneslater17 Reduced oxygen saturation is nothing to do with the mask I’m afraid, that’s just the reality of breathing a reduced PPO2 caused by the reduction in atmospheric pressure in an aircraft at altitude. https://t.co/cfe6dR5oB4

Nov 26, 2022 · 221 followers View post →
Cardio-Respiratory Researchers
@CRESP_Research · X

RT @derrygasman: @Prof_Marciniak https://t.co/ZzpRjyKeC8

Jul 17, 2022 · 2 shares · 1,070 followers View post →
Lawrence Zavorszky
@lzavorszky · X

RT @derrygasman: @Prof_Marciniak https://t.co/ZzpRjyKeC8

Jul 16, 2022 · 2 shares · 835 followers View post →
Derrygasman
@derrygasman · X

@Prof_Marciniak https://t.co/ZzpRjyKeC8

Jul 16, 2022 · 2 likes · 2 shares · 1,260 followers View post →
Cowgirl Kaboom
@CowgirlKaboom · X

@genehack Totally a thing. https://t.co/wlnTx7iwem This + sleep apnea = is thought to have started my dads white matter disease due to his almost weekly flying before retirement.

Apr 10, 2022 · 1 like · 117 followers View post →
Sahba Ferdowsi DO (conciergedoc)
@DrFerdowsi · X

RT @JohnNosta: @ideapharma Interesting. https://t.co/A6IGyVRUNP

Mar 12, 2022 · 1 share · 9,651 followers View post →
John Nosta
@JohnNosta · X

@ideapharma Interesting. https://t.co/A6IGyVRUNP

Mar 12, 2022 · 3 likes · 1 share · 81,402 followers View post →
Biggles McSwole The Zionist Dolphin
@DaveMarcus · X

If you do a lot, or have done a lot, of air travel, this is worth the watch: https://t.co/Ylb7oysQDW

Aug 30, 2021 · 1 like · 11,837 followers View post →
˗ˏˋ
@fanscott1234 · X

Liked on YouTube: What If You Break The Speed Of Sound With Your Body? https://t.co/QEVV9e13CS Rollin' around at the speed of sound. Gotta go fast. Watch more: “What Would a 24 Hour Flight Do To Your Body?” ►► https://t.co/ivFVyHxTU4 Subscribe: … https://t.co/2948vkzjAW

Jun 5, 2021 · 16,859 followers View post →
Debilitated Doctor
@medicold · X

RT @daniel_kraft: “Is there a doctor onboard?...” aroused me on this redeye flight, finding supine passenger (likely post vasovagal & hypo…

Jun 24, 2019 · 4 shares · 940 followers View post →
Speakers Management
@SpeakersMgmt · X

RT @daniel_kraft: “Is there a doctor onboard?...” aroused me on this redeye flight, finding supine passenger (likely post vasovagal & hypo…

Apr 19, 2019 · 4 shares · 1,829 followers View post →
John Nosta
@JohnNosta · X

RT @daniel_kraft: “Is there a doctor onboard?...” aroused me on this redeye flight, finding supine passenger (likely post vasovagal & hypo…

Apr 19, 2019 · 4 shares · 81,402 followers View post →
Herman Scholtz
@hscholtz · X

RT @daniel_kraft: “Is there a doctor onboard?...” aroused me on this redeye flight, finding supine passenger (likely post vasovagal & hypo…

Apr 19, 2019 · 4 shares · 2,522 followers View post →
Daniel Kraft, MD
@daniel_kraft · X

“Is there a doctor onboard?...” aroused me on this redeye flight, finding supine passenger (likely post vasovagal & hypoglycemic, perked up after OJ). Reminder: SpO2 is lower at cabin altitude. #medtwitter #aerospacemedicine https://t.co/t3dJ2eXWcR —> https://t.co/bSZSz5yD4l https://t.co/jpPSwsM2Pf

Apr 19, 2019 · 38 likes · 4 shares · 52,997 followers View post →
bontetsu
@bontetsu · X

What Would a 24 Hour Flight Do To Your Body? https://t.co/WUJ4xE0biu @YouTubeさんから

Apr 6, 2019 · 2,084 followers View post →
مدونة جليب
@JeleebBlog · X

ماذا سيحدث للجسم إذا سافرت 24 ساعة https://t.co/gZn7zkGVOd https://t.co/lDwNgUEXYN

Mar 9, 2019 · 6,088 followers View post →
MagnaDaRyu
@magnadaryu · X

https://t.co/hg7LBWJFlp

Mar 8, 2019 · 203 followers View post →
Na.
@Naim_Afandii · X

https://t.co/HdJsVhgCrI

Mar 5, 2019 · 31 followers View post →
Na.
@Naim_Afandii · X

https://t.co/HdJsVgZ138

Mar 5, 2019 · 31 followers View post →
Pat Graziosi
@PatGraziosi · X

RT @LifeNoggin: Airplanes more like airPAINS! Amirite? ...anyone? ▶️: https://t.co/B2AJLVMwc4 https://t.co/wXUagjHnkl

Mar 4, 2019 · 3 shares · 6,381 followers View post →
Mr.BlueSky
@theP1Junior · X

RT @LifeNoggin: Airplanes more like airPAINS! Amirite? ...anyone? ▶️: https://t.co/B2AJLVMwc4 https://t.co/wXUagjHnkl

Mar 4, 2019 · 3 shares · 24 followers View post →
Connor Mohr
@connor_mohr · X

RT @LifeNoggin: Airplanes more like airPAINS! Amirite? ...anyone? ▶️: https://t.co/B2AJLVMwc4 https://t.co/wXUagjHnkl

Mar 4, 2019 · 3 shares · 50 followers View post →
Life Noggin
@LifeNoggin · X

Airplanes more like airPAINS! Amirite? ...anyone? ▶️: https://t.co/B2AJLVMwc4 https://t.co/wXUagjHnkl

Mar 4, 2019 · 54 likes · 3 shares · 47,264 followers View post →
ESIST.S:cience
@EsistScience · X

#Stayinformed #Science ESIST .techTV #recommends | What Would a 24 Hour Flight Do To Your Body? #discovery, #sciences, #scientist, #researchs https://t.co/kiO87C3ilx

Mar 4, 2019 · 514 followers View post →
Kaijuking30
@Kaijuking30 · X

https://t.co/z1qU5iI0cc

Mar 4, 2019 · 3,420 followers View post →
ImmaLion
@XSpBlog · X

Liked on YouTube: What Would a 24 Hour Flight Do To Your Body? https://t.co/7mlV79clvS

Mar 4, 2019 · 162 followers View post →
AkiraSpectrum
@AkiraSpectrum · X

What Would a 24 Hour Flight Do To Your Body? https://t.co/n22IdqHTcn via @YouTube

Mar 4, 2019 · 291 followers View post →
thomas.
@tektiteTV · X

Life Noggin: What Would a 24 Hour Flight Do To Your Body? https://t.co/vi6Gn3G1rb

Mar 4, 2019 · 27 followers View post →
Captain Zakk
@ZakkisBatman · X

New video by Life Noggin: What Would a 24 Hour Flight Do To Your Body? https://t.co/gC1TQYexhE https://t.co/k4hgj2BgrI

Mar 4, 2019 · 30,073 followers View post →