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Here we give detailed unofficial information regarding in-flight health and the health risks when flying like Deep Vein Thrombosis/DVT and motion sickness. |
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Firstly it's important to note that few passengers ever suffer from any effects when flying.
There are of course exceptions to this rule and because of this we list some in-flight health risks i.e. DVT, motion sickness, that can be experienced, the symptoms and some advice on how best to avoid ill health when flying.
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Birmingham Airport Health Risks When Flying... |
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Travelling by air, especially long-haul travel, can mean that some passengers may suffer from DVT, motion sickness jet lag, cabin pressure sickness and such like.
Of course, those passengers with any pre-existing medical problems can be more susceptible to these illnesses. |
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DVT / Deep Vein Thrombosis ... |
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| What is DVT? |
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Deep Vein Thrombosis is when blood clots within one of the deep veins of the thigh, calf or pelvis as the blood flow has become sluggish. This can be as a result of the body having gone through recent trauma such as abdominal surgery, heart disease or childbirth or through lack of movement so the blood does not circulate properly.
As flying can mean long periods of immobility, especially long haul passengers, can therefore become susceptible to DVT. |
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| Who is at risk from DVT? |
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- Family or past history DVT
- People over 40
- Recent abdominal or leg surgery, or injury to the knees or hips
- Pregnancy or having had a baby recently
- Cancer, in particular some cancer treatments
- Circulation and heart problems
- Obesity
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| How do you avoid DVT? |
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- Drink lots of water throughout the flight and avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks
- Wear loose fitting clothing
- Constant exercise the muscles in the lower legs and feet - stretch, walk around the cabin
- Leave the seat in front of you free of things underneath so you can stretch and move more easily.
- Walk about the cabin every 1-2hrs.
- Wear graduated compression stockings often known as ‘flight socks’ – particularly important if you are in a high-risk category.
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| Symptoms of DVT? |
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The most concerning threat to DVT is when a piece of the blood clot, called a pulmonary embolus, breaks off and travels to the right side of the heart, causing heart problems or even heart attack.
In some cases there are no symptoms however some passengers suffer from some of the following symptoms: |
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- Swelling in the calf or ankles
- Slight fever and feeling unwell
- Aching or soreness in the calf
- Symptoms may not start for several days or even weeks
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| What do I do if I think I have DVT? |
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See a doctor straight away if you think you are suffering from DVT. Treatment is relatively simple in most cases.
If abroad contact your holiday rep or airline immediately. |
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Effects Of Cabin Pressure... |
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Cabin pressure sickness is caused to passengers because the plane's cabins are pressurized when flying at altitude and this pressure is much lower pressure than ground level. Thus there's slightly less oxygen circulating in the cabin and the air is much dryer.
These factors can cause several effects on passengers: |
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- Ears hurt during take-off or landing as cabin pressure is changing - try swallowing by chewing gum or sucking a sweet
- Passengers with heart or breathing problems so take their preventative medicines before travel and carry it in their hand luggage
- Alcohol when flying has 2 to 3 times the effect of a drink at sea level
- Dehydration is a common problem on longer flights so drink water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine drinks
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Motion sickness is fairly common with air travellers, especially during turbulence.
This advice may go some way to helping ease the effects: |
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- Ask for a seat over the wings
- Book a window seat
- Avoid all alcoholic drinks 24hrs before flight
- Keep your seat belt fastened during flight
- Try some natural remedies:
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- Vitamin B6 is known to help alleviate dizziness, which leads to nausea by promoting the normal function of the nervous system
- Magnesium can reduce stomach acidity and stress
- Peppermint helps prevent vomiting plus has antispasmodic properties
- Ginkgo Bilboa is helpful for chronic dizziness and light-headedness
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- Consult your doctor about motion sickness if necessary.
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If you are taking medication, making sure you have taken your medicines, especially if experienced delays so you timing is slightly out, is imperative.
An emergency during a flight is much more serious than on the ground. |
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- Carry all medicines in your hand luggage with enough to allow for delays
- Carry a notification and identification card if suffering from diabetes or epilepsy, plus your Doctor's contact details
- Passengers with heart or breathing problems, take your preventative medicines before travel, and carry your medicines in your hand luggage.
- Advise the airline of any medical problems when booking your flight.
- Have the correct vaccinations for the place you are travelling to.
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There are varying symptoms of jet lag but normally the effects are just tiredness. This is because the body's internal clock being out of phase with the destination time you are in.
Jet lag can be worse if you've travelled over more time zones. And travelling east seems to be more problematic.
Jet lag normally causes sleep patterns to be disrupted, occasionally sometimes causing insomnia, however most people seem to adjust within a few days.
Here are some tips on trying to avoid jet lag: |
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- Try and move meal times and sleep times 1-2hrs towards your destination time so they are in line with once you've landed
- Reset any watches to the destination time as soon as you've taken off
- Keep hydrated with water and eat only lightly
- Caffeine drinks can help mask fatigue during the days after flying but shouldn't be used too much
- Some passengers suffer from insomnia so try herbal sleeping pills or see your doctor if sleeplessness is very bad
- Try, if you can, having the occasional nap - up to half an hour - during the day
- Try the herb Ginseng, used for centuries to fight fatigue.
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