Air travel is one of the safest and most convenient modes of transport. Millions of passengers around the world choose this mode. The availability of cheap airline tickets has further increased the affordability of air travel. Earlier considered to be a vanity, air travel is becoming more and more commonplace these days.
Millions of people travel by air each year and majority of them do not complain about any sort of side effects. However, some of them do experience the "wrath" of air travel. Reduced atmospheric pressure, minimum oxygen levels, noise, vibration, and proximity to sub zero temperatures can create havoc to your health. Let's check out what an air travel can cause to you:
1. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which blood clots (thrombus) form in deep veins, such as those in the legs. It can sometime occur during long flights due to inactivity. Long periods of immobility can cause blood clotting in the legs. The lungs can be affected in the same way and this can lead to arterial blockage.
Prevention
It's important to move around the cabin, especially on long flights, as this squeezes the blood vessels and prevents the formation of blood clots. This will also keep your blood circulation up. If it is difficult to move around then curl or press your toes down often throughout your trip. Crossing your legs should definitely be avoided.
2. Jet Lag
While traveling through multiple time zones, your body clock gets disrupted, causing an acute problem called jet lag. These changes in time zones confuse your body's inner clock and produce biochemical changes. The effect increases with the number of time zones crossed. The symptoms of jet lag can vary but may include fatigue, irritability, headaches, upset stomach, diarrhea and sleep disturbance (such as daytime drowsiness, insomnia or waking early).
Change your time table few days before leaving to suit the destination. Consider going to bed earlier than usual if you are traveling east; if traveling west, go to bed later than usual. While at the destination, soak up natural sunlight to cue your body that it is time to be awake, or spend your first day in well-lighted places. It has been shown that bright light can help to reset circadian rhythms.
3. Airplane Ear
Barotrauma or airplane ear occurs when the air pressure in your middle ear (more specifically, the Eustachian tube) and the air pressure in your environment are out of balance. This specially happens when the airplane climbs sharply or descends for a landing.
Prevention
Chewing a piece of gum or sucking a candy during take off and landing can help with the problem by activating the muscle that opens the Eustachian tube. Yawning is even better since it's a strong activator of that muscle. Also, drink plenty of water to remain hydrated, and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
4. Motion Sickness
Motion sickness can occur when the airplane turns sharply. The inner ear fluid mechanisms can be affected, producing the unpleasant symptoms of increased salivation, dizziness, nausea, sweating and vomiting.
Choose an aisle seat over the wings as this will reduce the motion felt. Turn the air vent flow toward your face. Eat light meals or snacks before and during your flight. Also, avoid reading as reading will have your eyes fixed on a stationery object, yet your body feels the motions. This can trigger confusion and a sudden onset of motion sickness.
5. Breathing Problems
The cabin pressure is significantly lower than the atmospheric pressure, and so, you breathe less oxygen compared to what you inhale while you are on the ground. This can lead to a drop in your oxygen saturation and can eventually lead to breathing problems.
Prevention
Keep the air vent open and try taking deep breaths. Avoid wearing tight fitting outfits during long flights. If you are having trouble breathing, use the oxygen mask.
6. Cough
Allergens, dry air, fumes and ozone in the cabin air may cause coughing problems during an air travel.
Prevention
Try to suck on a candy or keep a sugar cube in your mouth. Also, stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water.
7. Dehydration
The air inside the plane is dry and the cabin air conditioners further remove moisture from the cabin air (the humidity level is generally below 25%). This causes your mouth, throat, eyes and skin to become extremely dehydrated.
Prevention
Make sure you drink plenty of water or fruit juice regularly. Also, avoid alcohol and caffeine.
8. Headaches
Dry air, low humidity levels, extreme fatigue and odors lead to the risk of migraine and other types of headaches.
Prevention
Get up and move around the cabin to increase blood circulation. As dehydration can set in headache, keep yourself well hydrated, and avoid alcohol and caffeine. In severe cases, some mild painkillers can be taken for temporary relief.
9. Infection
You spend long hours with other passengers in an enclosed environment and this way, you increase your chances of getting infected with contagious diseases.
Prevention
Start boosting your immune system three days before your trip by eating vitamin C rich food such as oranges, guava etc. You can also take proper vaccination before traveling. If you want to be extra protective, wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth to avoid inhaling disease causing bacteria.
10. Radiation
In most international flights, your body is exposed to some degrees of radiation from cosmic rays from space. Flight personnel are exposed to a greater risk of development of breast cancer in comparison to the general population.
Prevention
Wear an outfit which covers most of the skin and body.
Air travel is not without its risks, but there's no need to hang up your wings! The more you travel, the more your body gets adjusted to the problems. If you are facing some acute problems after a flight, make no delay in getting yourself checked.
Very informative article, Aircraft travel cabin environmental can be rather hostile & many travellers complain different discomforts. Common health problems are cough, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, headaches, fainting, earache, morning sickness, etc.