Millions of people around the world travel frequently and this causes no health concern for the majority of them. However, it is important to take care of your health while flying.
To make flying as comfortable as possible, there are some things we can do. When pressure changes, the eustachian tube could be blocked for a while, making your ears pop or giving you a sense of fullness.
To get rid of the sensation, swallow frequently. Yawning and chewing gum are also effective. Avoid sleeping while the aircraft is landing, as you may not swallow often enough to keep you in good shape for pressure changes. When swallowing or yawning doesn’t help, use the ‘valsalva maneuver’:
- Close your nostrils through pinching and breath through your mouth
- Force air to the back of your nose using your cheek and throat muscles.
- Be careful and blow in short and frequent attempts. When you feel or hear a pop in your ears, you have succeeded. Don’t force air from your lungs or abdomen (diaphragm); this creates unnecessary pressure.
Babies are usually the most at risk by changes in pressure during descent. Relief them by letting them feed off a bottle or get them a pacifier to suck on. Persons who have recently had an eye, abdominal or oral surgery could avoid flying for a while. Changes in pressure that occur due to climb or descent could result in discomfort.
Having a sinus infection or an upper respiratory problem could also make you experience some discomfort during pressure change. It is advisable to postpone your trip in this situation. Older or loose shoes suit flying, as tight or new shoes could cause your feet to swell due to pressure changes.
Coffee and alcohol causes the body to dry. Air on an airplane is fairly dry to begin with, and a combination with coffee or alcohol can increase your chances of contracting respiratory infections.
People who wear lenses should clean them properly before flying, read in intervals, take the lenses out when sleeping and use eye drops for lubrication. You can consult with your medical examiner for more on this.
If you are on prescribed medication, take enough for your trip. Carry along with you your doctor’s details and a copy of your prescription, in case your medicine gets stolen. The medication should be in the appropriate containers to avoid unnecessary embarrassment from security or customs. Put your medicine in your pocket or handbag.
You can reduce the effects of jet-lag in several ways, including:
- Get proper rest before the trip
- Prioritize taking night flights, so you could sleep right away
- Sleep during your flight but not during descent
- Eat lightly and drink little or no alcohol when flying
Try to use a rest room in the airport terminal before departure. On some flights the cabin crew begins beverage service shortly after the “Fasten Seat Belts” sign is turned off, and the serving cart may block access to the lavatories.
Conclusion
These and more are some of the steps to take to ensure you watch over your health while flying.