People who take air flights when they travel on vacations and holidays can be at risk of developing severe medical problems, such as deep vein thrombosis, which can be life threatening.
The following article covers a number of the most common in-flight medical symptoms and travel tips that can help you have a safer, more enjoyable flight.
Common in-flight symptoms you may experience are headaches, ear-popping, nasal congestion, dehydration, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite (could be related to the in-flight food), light-headedness, problems with coordination, inability to concentrate, confusion, anxiety, irritability, sweating, fatigue, swollen lower legs and feet, as well as motion sickness. These symptoms may also be associated with jet lag. In addition, jet lag can affect your sense of orientation in terms of time and place. In addition, your sense of well-being can also be disrupted.
Most medical symptoms can be reduced or eliminated by doing a few simple things.
Drinking a glass of water, juice, or soda, every half hour or so can help you prevent dehydration and dryness in your throat, nose and eyes. Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided or consumed in moderation as they can cause dehydration as well as disrupt sleep patterns. By chewing gum you can help prevent your ears getting plugged and popping. A comfortable inflatable neck pillow can help prevent a stiff and sore neck. Wearing eye shades can make it easier to sleep on a long flight and ear plugs can reduce the constant cabin noise. Ask a flight attendant for a blanket to help keep you warm in the air conditioned cabin. It’s also a good idea to turn off the overhead air nozzle above your seat as cool air blowing down on you could make you feel cold.
People’s bodies tend to swell when they fly. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing helps to relieve this swelling. This will also add to your in flight comfort. If you can, it’s better to avoid salty foods as excess salt in your body can cause water retention which may make your body swell when you fly.
Jet lag can also be a major problem when you fly. You may be able to lessen the effects of jet lag by adjusting your sleeping and eating patterns a few days before your flight to better reflect the time zone when you will arrive at your destination. This will take some discipline but it is well worth trying, as it can really make a difference.
There are also some other things you can do to reduce the effects of jet lag. Try and take a flight that arrives at your vacation destination in the daylight hours. If possible, immediately fit into this new time zone by not going to bed. If you are feeling tired and need to take a short snooze, then do it in a well-lit place. In the evening, sleep in a darkened room. The darkness will prepare your brain for sleep. Try to avoid watching television or looking a computer screen as their brightness can easily over-stimulate your brain. It is not a good idea to consume alcohol or any drinks and foods that contain caffeine such as coffee, soda and chocolate, until your symptoms of jet lag have worn off, as alcohol and caffeine can disrupt your sleep patterns.
General speaking, most travelers are not aware that they will only begin to experience the symptoms of jet lag when they depart their plane. That’s the time when the passengers’ biological clocks start to make internal adjustments inside their bodies to closely coincide with the local time at their holiday destination. If commercial airliners cross one or even two time zones, their passengers can usually adjust quite quickly. But, if they are in poor health, or not feeling very well before they fly, then jet lag can compound their problems.
What is DVT, or deep vein thrombosis?
DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is caused by a blood clot that forms in the lower leg. If the clot breaks off, it can travel to the lungs which can then be fatal. This is a true life threatening medical emergency.
The usual symptoms of deep vein thrombosis are pain, redness, and swelling in the leg. Deep vein thrombosis has always been a major health risk for travelers, especially when they fly. Recent research has shown that airline passengers are at three times the risk of developing this serious life threatening condition when compared to the general population.
There are some things that you can do to lessen your chance of developing this deadly condition. You should avoid crossing your legs as this can cut off the circulation in them and raise the risk of getting DVT. Increase your circulation by wearing loose fitting clothing and avoid tight fitting socks or stockings. Also, change your sitting position frequently, move your legs every five to ten minutes when sitting, as well as getting up and walking back and forth down the aisle. Try sitting in an aisle seat so you are able get up and walk around without disturbing your fellow passengers. This will help you with the circulation in your legs and lessen the chance that you will develop deep-vein thrombosis.
a wonderful holiday, visit Travel Tips Guide for more info.
Health professionals suggest also to wear compression stockings for those especially who take long haul flights to prevent DVT. Thanks for the travel tips.
You should pick the very best vacationing spots wherever you are desired to book for a vacation. You can always consult your travel agent.