Air Travel
Commercial air travel is a comfortable, speedy and safe means of transport, and
is now accepted as a part of everyday life. For the fit, healthy and mobile
individual there is little to worry about, but for others problems could arise.
There are steps you can take before, during and after a flight to ensure your
health is not put at risk.
Dehydration – Air circulating in cabins is kept fairly dry and this can mean
passengers become dehydrated. To avoid the problem, drink plenty of nonalcoholic, non-carbonated fluids. Skin moisturisers can help to prevent dry skin.
Circulation – People are often concerned about sitting for long periods of time
in cramped conditions, which can occur in a plane, bus, train or car. When the
leg muscles are inactive, legs and ankles can ache and become swollen. These
problems are uncomfortable rather than life-threatening but there is a small
chance these problems could lead to more serious complications. When the leg
muscles are inactive, the blood can pool and form a clot. This is known as a
deep vein thrombosis, which is potentially dangerous. In healthy people this is
rare. High risk includes anyone who has had a recent operation, but the risk
rises significantly if you have a heart problem, are elderly, overweight, pregnant
or if you take the combined contraceptive pill or HRT.
Advice:

Regular stretching and mobility exercises, particularly of the lower limbs,
should be performed. Stand up and walk about the cabin at least once every
two hours. Exercise your calves by pushing feet against the floor to tiptoe
position then back down again.
Z Drive, Leaflets 2009, Travel
06/01/09

For some, a small dose of aspirin may be helpful on flights over four hours;
this should be discussed with your doctor.

Wearing compression tights or stockings during the flight and for three days
afterwards may be of help. These are available from pharmacies for
approximately £12.

Signs of a DVT are pain or swelling in the lower calf. If your calf hurts
when squeezed, tell a member of the flight crew.
Jet Lag – It is estimated that 75% of people suffer some degree of jet lag, where
the body undergoes a rapid transition across time zones. This causes a conflict
between the body’s internal biological clock, and the external time guides.
Symptoms include sleep disturbance, poor appetite, stomach upsets, bowel
changes, and tiredness.
Advice:

Change your watch to destination time on boarding the aircraft.

If possible, plan your arrival time to coincide with natural bedtime.

Have a good night’s sleep before your travel. Be relaxed in flight.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. Eat light meals.

Avoid heavy commitment in the first few days.
Ears – Some people experience discomfort in the ears on take off and landing
when pressure changes occur. This is more noticeable if you have a cold or
sinus problems. In these cases it may be worth taking a decongestant, such as
Sudafed or Actifed, a couple of hours before take off. Sucking a sweet, chewing
gum, yawning or swallowing can help.