Stay Healthy When You fly

By Kimberly Blaker

About 1 out of every 600 flights has an inflight medical emergency, according to a 2019 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Travelers can experience a host of less serious health issues and discomfort when flying as well.

Many of these health risks and problems can be avoided, however, if travelers are aware and take precautions.

Dehydration. The humidity level of airplanes is extremely low, usually under 10%. Combine this with the water loss caused by respiration, and passengers can become dehydrated enough to affect their health and mood. So drink plenty of water before, during, and following your flight.

Tight clothing. When flying, several factors contribute to the risk of deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot that can be life-threatening). Add tight clothes to the mix, and you could be in real trouble.

I experienced this myself on an international flight. My legs swelled up just a couple of hours into the flight, which was aggravated by my skinny jeans. To reduce the restriction and prevent a blood clot, I had to slit the legs of my pants from top to bottom.

So when flying, wear loose-fitting clothes, particularly on your lower extremities. Also, avoid high heels and tight shoes, which can also restrict blood flow.

Sitting too long. Similar to the problem with tight clothing, this also increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis. It’s particularly problematic when flying because of the cramped seats that allow little room for movement.

Passengers should get up and move around after three to four hours in flight (sooner if they begin to experience swelling or discomfort), according to Fanancy Anzalone, M.D., an aerospace medicine physician.

Anzalone says even flexing your legs in your seat by “pressing down on your heels and up with your toes” can help get your circulation moving.

Ear pain. Air pressure in your middle ear during the ascent and descent can make your ears feel clogged or even painful. Usually, chewing gum, yawning, or swallowing relieves the pressure.

But serious cases of airplane ear can lead to severe pain, hearing loss, vertigo, bleeding from the ear, and more. In such cases, you’ll need to see your doctor for treatment.

Constipation. Sitting still for long periods, dehydration, and a schedule change that conflicts with your regular bowel movements can contribute to constipation when flying.

So, 12 hours before your flight, eat something high in fiber. Also, adjust your routine on the day of travel so your bowels can move before you leave for the airport. You can also take a stool softener the day before your flight.

Dry skin and more. The dryer-than-the-desert air of airplane cabins please see fLY on facing page