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Here you will find detailed unofficial information for the air traveller on a range of potential health hazards. We provide Health Tips and Information on a range of issues applicable when flying such as Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT |
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Avoiding in-flight health hazards... |
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Most people travelling by air do not have any health problems caused by flying and although Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) can be a particular worry it is not very common.
We also cover ways in which you can prevent problems by taking some simple precautions before, during and after your flight.
Use the links below to Navigate to the relevant section:
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Health risks when flying... |
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Air travel, particularly long-haul travel, can expose passengers to a variety of factors such as DVT, jet lag, air sickness and cabin pressure changes that may affect their health and well being.
Travellers with pre-existing health problems are more susceptible to these factors. Here are some tips for ‘healthy flying’. |
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Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) ... |
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| What is DVT? |
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This is the situation where blood clots within one of the deep veins of the thigh, calf or pelvis. This is usually because the blood flow has become sluggish, normally because the blood has become dehydrated or from trauma such as abdominal surgery, heart disease or childbirth.
Because of the cramped space and often, long periods of immobility associated with air travel, people who are susceptible to DVT should take some simple precautions. Because of its recent association with air travel it is often called ‘travellers Thrombosis’. |
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| Who is at risk from DVT? |
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- People over 40 are at greater risk.
- A past or family history DVT.
- Recent surgery, particularly abdominal or leg surgery, or injury to the knees or hips.
- Pregnancy or recently having had a baby.
- 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 water or fruit juices to keep hydrated and avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
- Wear loose fitting clothing.
- Exercise the muscles of your lower legs while sitting and move and stretch your feet.
- Do not place anything under the seat in front of you so you can 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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| What are the symptoms of DVT? |
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DVT in itself, although it can be uncomfortable, it is not the primary concern.
The alarming potential sequel to DVT is where 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 and this is what makes DVT dangerous, but many people may suffer some of the following symptoms: |
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- Aching or soreness in the calf.
- Swelling in the calf or ankles.
- Slight fever and feeling unwell.
- 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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If you think you may have DVT you need to see a doctor as soon as possible, treatment is relatively simple in most cases.
If you are abroad at the time you can contact your airline unofficial information or holiday rep. |
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Aircraft cabins are pressurized when flying at altitude but are kept at a much lower pressure than we are use to at ground level.
Because of this low pressure there is slightly less oxygen in the circulating air in the cabin and the air is much dryer. These factors can cause several effects on passengers: |
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- If you find your ears hurting during take-off or landing when cabin pressure is changing, try swallowing often, chewing gum or sucking a sweet.
- Passengers with heart or breathing problems, take your preventative medicines before travel, and carry your medicines in your hand luggage.
- Remember, when flying that alcohol has 2 to 3 times the effect of a drink at sea level.
- Dehydration is a problem on longer flights, drink water or fruit juices, avoid alcohol and caffeine drinks.
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| Motion sickness is common, especially when turbulence is experienced on a fight. The following may help to ease the worse effects of motion sickness: |
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- Request a window seat.
- Request a seat over the wings.
- Avoid alcohol 24hrs before flight.
- Keep seat belt fastened during flight.
- Try some natural remedies for motion sickness:
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- Vitamin B6 helps alleviate dizziness, which leads to nausea by promoting the normal function of the nervous system.
- Magnesium reduces stomach acidity and stress.
- Peppermint prevents vomiting and has antispasmodic properties.
- Ginkgo Bilboa is helpful for chronic dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Ginger extract can help prevent nausea.
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- Consult your doctor about motion sickness if necessary.
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Prescription medicines and vaccinations |
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| Taking the correct preflight precautions will make for a much more comfortable flight for everyone. Remember an in-flight emergency caused because you have forgotten to take your medicine is much more serious than on the ground. |
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- Carry your required medicines with you in your hand luggage and take enough medicines to last longer than your trip in case you get delayed.
- If you have diabetes or epilepsy, carry a notification and identification card, in case of an emergency have the name and phone number of your doctor with you.
- Passengers with heart or breathing problems, take your preventative medicines before travel, and carry your medicines in your hand luggage.
- Inform the airline of any medical problems when booking your flight.
- Make sure you have had the correct vaccinations for the place you are travelling to.
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The symptoms of jet lag vary with individuals, but are usually the effects of fatigue. They result from the internal body clock being out of phase with the destination time.
Jet lag is worse the more time zones travelled through and travelling east seems to be more problematic. Sleep patterns are disrupted, sometimes causing insomnia, making the fatigue of travelling worse, but most people seem to adjust within a few days. |
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- If you schedule permits try and move meals and sleep times 1-2hrs towards your destination time and rest well before the flight.
- Reset watches to destination time as soon as you have departed.
- Eat lightly and keep hydrated with water and fruit juices avoid alcohol.
- You can use caffeine drinks to help mask fatigue during the days after flying.
- Some people suffer from insomnia, try some of the herbal sleeping pills obtainable from your chemist, or consult your doctor if you require sleeping medication.
- Have an occasional nap during the day but limit them to about half an hour.
- Try the herb Ginseng, used for centuries to fight fatigue.
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Relax and enjoy your flight... |
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| I hope the simple tips above help you to enjoy ‘Healthy Flying’ and get the most from your trip. We wish you a safe, stress free and comfortable journey. |
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