Prolonged In-Flight Management of Life-Threatening Pediatric Asthma on a Long-Haul Commercial Flight: A Case Report.
Air Medical Journal · 2026-01-01 · Case report
Abstract
A 3-year-old male passenger developed acute respiratory distress approximately 30 minutes after takeoff during an international flight from the United States to Addis Ababa. Despite multiple rounds of nebulized albuterol and escalating oxygen therapy, his respiratory status progressively deteriorated. A multidisciplinary team of onboard physicians administered epinephrine and hydrocortisone from the emergency medical kit while coordinating with ground medical control. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Athens, Greece, where the child was handed over to emergency services and later stabilized. This case highlights the challenges of managing pediatric respiratory distress in-flight and the critical importance of prompt coordination, adequate medical supplies, and crew preparedness.
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Tags
Adrenaline · Cardiovascular drugs · Children · Communication & handover · Corticosteroids · Hydrocortisone · In-flight emergencies · Other drugs · Oxygen · Respiratory drugs · Salbutamol
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