Flying, once a rare and exciting experience, has become part of the normal workweek for many Americans and a part of many vacation experiences for others. Unfortunately, flying isn't as much fun as it used to be. Smaller airline seats, cramped aisles and rumors of stale, recycled air have made airline travel seem dangerous to one's health. While there are potential health risks to spending time up in the not-so-friendly skies, there are also ways to combat the health risks airline travel may bring.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
The most serious potential health problem of airline travel is related to the lack of space on the plane. The reduced leg room and narrowed aisles have made moving around difficult, and immobility for a number of hours slows blood circulation, which can cause clot formation deep in the leg veins--hence the name, deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is more likely to form in people with risk factors, such as recent surgery, pregnancy, obesity or heart disease, the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide reports. A clot that breaks loose can lodge in the lungs, causing shortness of breath, chest pain and collapse. Death may occur suddenly. Symptoms of DVT sometimes don't occur for several days.
There are ways to decrease the risk of clot formation. If you're allowed to take aspirin, taking 81 mg of aspirin before the flight helps decrease clot formation. Moving your legs is essential to keeping the blood flowing. Wear loose clothing, move your legs frequently, get up and walk the aisles at least a few times during the flight, and don't cross your legs. Keep the space under your feel clear, so you can move your legs around from time to time. And, drink plenty of fluids; staying hydrated can also help avoid clot formation.
Dehydration
Dehydration is common on airlines, because the air inside pressurized airplanes is dryer than normal air, averaging only between 5 to 10 percent humidity, explains the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. For a one-hour flight, this may not be a problem. But, if you're flying to Australia, drink up. However, avoid alcohol, which causes dehydration. Drink water or other nonsugar-laden drinks. A good goal is 8 oz. an hour. Dehydration can dry out your eyes, so lubricating eyedrops are helpful, if the plane is flying straight and level. Don't attempt to use the eyedrops during turbulence, or you may have a more serious problem to deal with. Taking out contact lenses and wearing glasses for the flight can help keep your eyes more comfortable. Nose drops can help with a dry nose. The lack of moisture in the air makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to enter your lungs, which may be why people so often complain that they get sick after flying.
Respiratory Problems
At cruising altitudes, the air inside airplanes is pressurized. The atmospheric pressure levels are similar to those found at around 8,000 feet, so, if you have trouble with this altitude, you may have trouble breathing on the plane. This isn't a problem for people with normal lung function, but it can be a problem for those with decreased lung function from asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. If you use oxygen occasionally, find out airline policies about using supplemental oxygen on the plane in advance. Most airlines require a doctor's note with exact instructions on how much oxygen you require and will have you sign a medical release; they may also impose a heavy price for using their oxygen.
People who use portable oxygen concentrators may carry them on most airlines, but they must operate them on battery power. Be sure to bring more batteries than you think you could possibly need.
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