EXPERT
Dr. Charles T. Crinnian, MD
Aerospace Medicine Specialist | Aerospace Medicine
Dr. Charles Crinnian is an aerospace medicine specialist practicing in Scottsdale, AZ. Aerospace Medicine focuses on the clinical care and operational support for flight crewmembers. Pilots and flight crewmembers work in challenging high altitude enviorments under conditions of physical and psychological stress.
Dr. Crinnian provides speciality care services for aviation professionals that are pilots and crewmembers who work and travel in the air or space. As an aerospace medicine specialist, Dr. Crinnian discovers, manages and prevents health issues that result from traveling in extreme environments. These enviroments include microgravity, radiation exposure, G-forces, and hypoxic conditions. These physicians are particularly trained in diseases that may arise from air travel, and work to keep airmen healthy and safe. Additionally, medical conditions can have a greater impact on aviators and potentially cause incapacitation. Addressing these conditions prior to flight assures a safe national airspace system.
Dr. Crinnian provides speciality care services for aviation professionals that are pilots and crewmembers who work and travel in the air or space. As an aerospace medicine specialist, Dr. Crinnian discovers, manages and prevents health issues that result from traveling in extreme environments. These enviroments include microgravity, radiation exposure, G-forces, and hypoxic conditions. These physicians are particularly trained in diseases that may arise from air travel, and work to keep airmen healthy and safe. Additionally, medical conditions can have a greater impact on aviators and potentially cause incapacitation. Addressing these conditions prior to flight assures a safe national airspace system.
34 years
Experience
Dr. Charles T. Crinnian, MD
- Scottsdale, AZ
- Univ of Az Coll of Med, Tucson Az
- Accepting new patients
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How can I lower my blood pressure in-flight?
First, have you actually had your BP taken on flights? You suggest that you are nervous. Discuss this with your physician and low dose anti-anxiety medication may be in-order. READ MORE
First, have you actually had your BP taken on flights? You suggest that you are nervous. Discuss this with your physician and low dose anti-anxiety medication may be in-order. Perhaps try non-medication approaches such as bio-feedback or other relaxation methods. You and your physician should assure you do not have underlying hypertension or other medical issues that may be contributing to this situation.
Should I not travel if I have chest pains?
Follow your doctors advice. See what the result of the plan to take Xanax does for your chest pain. An alternative explanation to anxiety is gastric reflux. Your physician should READ MORE
Follow your doctors advice. See what the result of the plan to take Xanax does for your chest pain. An alternative explanation to anxiety is gastric reflux. Your physician should be able to determine the cause of the chest pain.
What can I do to prevent nausea while flying?
Assuming you are not flight/cabin crew, try OTC Dramamine for the long flight. Book a seat over the wing. Look out the window at the horizon will help as well.
Does a wound bleed in space?
Yes. If one has blood pressure, a wound will bleed until the coagulation process stops it, or you run out of blood. Bleeding is not dependent on gravity.
What can I do to prevent a panic attack?
Several approaches come to mind. Work with a psychologist with expertise in fear of flying. They can assist with non-pharmacological interventions such as relaxation, deep breathing, READ MORE
Several approaches come to mind. Work with a psychologist with expertise in fear of flying. They can assist with non-pharmacological interventions such as relaxation, deep breathing, and understanding any fear of flying you have. Another approach is an organized "Fear of Flying" course. Will have do so some research on locations and availability. Turbulence is just "potholes in the road", nothing to be concerned about. The aircraft is designed and built to withstand far more that what you will have on 99.99999% of any rough weather you may encounter.
What is causing the discontinue of Boeing planes?
Sounds like a rumor to me. Boeing is still manufacturing aircraft and has a backlog of 5 years' worth or orders.
How is the air circulated in an airplane?
On jet transport aircraft, air is brough into the cabin through the intakes, heated or cooled through "packs" and distributed through the cabin. The air then is exhausted through READ MORE
On jet transport aircraft, air is brough into the cabin through the intakes, heated or cooled through "packs" and distributed through the cabin. The air then is exhausted through the outflow valve. It is continuously refreshed. Best air you can have other than being on a mountain top.
How do high altitudes affect your health long-term?
Studies have shown that there is an increase in skin cancer, thryoid cancer. It is speculated this is due to increase cosmic radiation as higher altitudes eliminate the protection READ MORE
Studies have shown that there is an increase in skin cancer, thryoid cancer. It is speculated this is due to increase cosmic radiation as higher altitudes eliminate the protection of the lower atmosphere to block UV and cosmic radiation. Of interest, this holds true for cabin crew who are not in the direct sunlight from the cockpit windows.
Can a plane fly if one engine has problems?
Depends on the aircraft. Light twin engine General Aviation aircraft can, but have very limited performance on a single engine. Airliners are certified to operate with loss of READ MORE
Depends on the aircraft. Light twin engine General Aviation aircraft can, but have very limited performance on a single engine. Airliners are certified to operate with loss of an engine. If fact, ETOPS (Extended-range Twin Engine Operations Performance Standards) certify the aircraft to reach a diversion airport using the remaining operating engine. Examples are flights to Hawaii, Asia, or Europe.
What is the procedure of a health emergency while in-flight?
Airline cabin crews have basic first aid training. Most airlines have an in-flight link to a medical response resource. Airlines will call for any physicians or other health READ MORE
Airline cabin crews have basic first aid training. Most airlines have an in-flight link to a medical response resource. Airlines will call for any physicians or other health care professionals to assist. There are limited medications stored in the first-aid kit including portable oxygen. Significant health emergencies the captain will divert to a closer airfield if able.
I get sick whenever I fly. What do you recommend?
Two things come to mind, either you have a propensity to have motion sickness or anxiety. Assuming you are not flight crew, try some OTC Dramamine. Get a window seat and look READ MORE
Two things come to mind, either you have a propensity to have motion sickness or anxiety. Assuming you are not flight crew, try some OTC Dramamine. Get a window seat and look out the window-look at the horizon. Same approach as on a boat. If you think it's anxiety, then explore why you are anxious.
Why does my head hurt every time I fly?
Consider sinus disease or sinus abnormalities. Typically, this happens on descent. Additionally, low oxygen/hypoxia can cause headaches, If this is a common occurrence you should READ MORE
Consider sinus disease or sinus abnormalities. Typically, this happens on descent. Additionally, low oxygen/hypoxia can cause headaches, If this is a common occurrence you should have it looked into with your physician.
I'm a stewardess, and my heart rate has been increasing while we fly, especially during landings. Why?
Suggest getting a KardioMobile, apple watch or other OTC monitor and document exactly what is happening. There are causes for sudden increase in in heart rate such as heart rhythm READ MORE
Suggest getting a KardioMobile, apple watch or other OTC monitor and document exactly what is happening. There are causes for sudden increase in in heart rate such as heart rhythm disturbances, Atrial Fib and stress/anxiety, Some of these issues have a significant effect on your health, get it checked out with a physician. If you don't think is is anxiety, then all the more reason to have it check out with your physician.
When are flight doctors made accessible?
Most airlines have contracted with a flight medicine organization and are able to contact them in flight for acute medical emergencies. Best to check with your airline to determine READ MORE
Most airlines have contracted with a flight medicine organization and are able to contact them in flight for acute medical emergencies. Best to check with your airline to determine their capabilities. Additionally, if you or your family member has special needs or conditions, inform the gate agent and they will let the cabin crew know.
What do you mean by aerospace medicine?
Aerospace Medicine focuses on physiologic factors that affect pilots and aircrew. Additionally, many medical conditions are adversely triggered in high altitude, high stress environments. READ MORE
Aerospace Medicine focuses on physiologic factors that affect pilots and aircrew. Additionally, many medical conditions are adversely triggered in high altitude, high stress environments. Areas if interest is high altitude physiology, sleep issues from deviations from circadian rhythms, G-factors loads, vestibular disfunction, and physiologic stressors.
Class one medical?
Having a Mitrofanoff procedure and/or having TMJ does not disqualify one from any FAA Medical Certificate. As long as there are no other medical conditions or use of a disqualifying READ MORE
Having a Mitrofanoff procedure and/or having TMJ does not disqualify one from any FAA Medical Certificate. As long as there are no other medical conditions or use of a disqualifying medication, get your Medical Certificate and start flying.
What sleep medications can I take during the flight?
If you are a pilot or flight crew, all sleep aids are "No FLY" until 3 half-lives have passed. Even OTC Benadryl has a no fly of 60 hours. Most are 24 hours, but a few are longer. READ MORE
If you are a pilot or flight crew, all sleep aids are "No FLY" until 3 half-lives have passed. Even OTC Benadryl has a no fly of 60 hours. Most are 24 hours, but a few are longer. Best consult with your pharmacist or physician about the half life.
However, if you are a passenger, it should not be an issue. Shorter acting sleep aids would be better as you may be groggy after landing given the higher cabin altitude you will be experiencing.
However, if you are a passenger, it should not be an issue. Shorter acting sleep aids would be better as you may be groggy after landing given the higher cabin altitude you will be experiencing.
Growth without gravity?
I can give you some hypothetical counter points to ponder. With 0-G or microgravity one could make the argument that spherical would be the body habitus that beings would morph READ MORE
I can give you some hypothetical counter points to ponder. With 0-G or microgravity one could make the argument that spherical would be the body habitus that beings would morph into. As there are no gravitational forces to oppose, there is no need for antigravity muscle groups. Bone/joint structures would be significantly different that beings in gravity. Gravity is a good thing and one could postulate that "artificial" gravity" fields would be developed to accommodate beings evolved in deep space travel.
If the beings have opposing muscle groups in the extremities (assuming they have them) learning how to walk would not be much different than humans learning how to swim, ski, or play tennis. All are not a normal extrapolation of the typical hunter/gatherer skills that humans are born with. Good luck with your science fiction books.
If the beings have opposing muscle groups in the extremities (assuming they have them) learning how to walk would not be much different than humans learning how to swim, ski, or play tennis. All are not a normal extrapolation of the typical hunter/gatherer skills that humans are born with. Good luck with your science fiction books.
What could cause constipation when flying?
Dehydration is a likely contributor to this. The atmosphere at high altitudes is very dry. Without adequate hydration, water is drawn from the lower GI tract to augment blood READ MORE
Dehydration is a likely contributor to this. The atmosphere at high altitudes is very dry. Without adequate hydration, water is drawn from the lower GI tract to augment blood volume. Pre-hydrate before your flight. You will feel better upon landing at your destination.
Can I fly with the flu?
If you are a pilot/flight crew definitely not. Illness will impact your cognitive abilities, focus, and stamina. Also, any sinus congestion will set you up for a sinus or ear READ MORE
If you are a pilot/flight crew definitely not. Illness will impact your cognitive abilities, focus, and stamina. Also, any sinus congestion will set you up for a sinus or ear block on descent. Pulminary congestion will make you more subject to hypoxia.
If you are a passenger, besides spreading the illness to others, you will have an awful flight experience. Would not recommend it.
If you are a passenger, besides spreading the illness to others, you will have an awful flight experience. Would not recommend it.
