It is important to move around the cabin or stand up and take a short walk every hour of your flight to get your circulation going. Prolonged periods of immobility while flying can lead to muscle soreness, fatigue, pooling of blood and even Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). In most cases of DVT the clots are small and do not cause any symptoms, the body is able to gradually break down the clot and there are no long-term effects. Occasionally a piece of the clot may break off and travel into the bloodstream and become lodged in the lungs. This is known as a pulmonary embolism and can lead to serious complications. Even if you cannot move around the cabin regularly, try to perform a few foot, ankle and leg stretches to stimulate blood flow (most airlines provide leaflets with example exercises).
Wearing properly fitted compression stockings may also be helpful as they compress the calf muscles and improve the flow of blood in the deep veins. Those travellers who are at most risk of developing DVT may be prescribed specific treatments, such as injections of heparin.
Drink lots of water. Becoming dehydrated on your flight can lead to headache, tiredness and leave you feeling very uncomfortable. Drink lots of water and juices, but avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks.
Do not fly soon after surgery. The air onboard an aircraft has a lower pressure than at sea level. This reduced pressure can impede the healing process and lead to medical complications. Consult your doctor if you need to travel soon after surgery.
Avoid flying when sick. Try not to take a flight – particularly a long one – if you have a head cold, the flu or an ear or throat infection. The cabin pressure may make the symptoms worse, making your flight very uncomfortable and prolonging your sickness.
Other useful tips:
• Chew gum during take-off (swallowing helps to reduce pain in the ears)
• Get a good night’s sleep before long flights
• Keep medication in your hand luggage in case you need to access it quickly
Contributed by Hamad Medical Corporation
