Flying, subjects people to unique health threats. This article will discuss some of these health risks as well as possible solutions to neutralize these threats.
Besides the minimal threats of terrorism and that of aviation accidents, there are many other more credible dangers that face the flying public. Most of these threats are either microscopic or invisible. The key to staying healthy is preparation and jurisprudence.
Stale Air
The air in airplane cabins is generally oxygen deficient, dry and stale. Oxygen levels are usually twenty to twenty-five percent less than on the ground. The humidity is usually only twenty percent that of normal levels and the air, by way of budget cuts, is being recirculated and recycled at greater intervals. The result is oxygen deficient air that contains germs, carbon dioxide and many other forms of contamination. The results are headaches, dry skin, excessive thirst, colds, flus, eye infections and shortness of breath. In addition those with asthma, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are especially at risk. The way to counteract some of these effects is by:
- Avoiding alcohol, caffeinated beverages and any other drink that can cause water loss
- Drink a glass of bottled water for each hour on the plane
- Use moisturizers to keep the skin moist
- Use saline sprays to keep the nostrils moist, enabling better efficiency for the filtration of contaminants
- Ask for oxygen if feeling faint or short of breath
- Elevate legs or move around the cabin during the flight. Pooling of the blood, along with dehydration, makes one susceptible to life-threatening blood clots and emboli
Pressure
As the plane climbs in altitude the inner cabin pressure decreases. These decreases can cause more than the popping of the ears. Reduced air pressure can cause severe intestinal gas, toothaches, earaches and hemorrhaging. Reduced air pressure can also cause air expansion in the most unlikely scenarios, such as under plaster casts, causing extreme pain. The ways to counteract some of these problems are to:
- Avoid eating gas-producing foods such as garlic and beans before flights
- Avoid wearing tight clothes
- Have all loose fillings and dental infections repaired or under control before flying
- Avoid flying immediately after surgery and consult a physician if diagnosed with a bleeding ulcer or ovarian cyst, prior to takeoff.
- Avoid trying to fly when having a cold or sinus infection.
- Avoid flying with a plaster cast.
- Try to avoid scuba diving the day before flying.
Radiation
Flying at higher altitudes subjects flyers to getting barraged with many forms of radiation not normally encountered on the ground. The longer and more frequent one flies the more exposure to radiation. This exposure is especially dangerous for pregnant mothers and can cause birth defects, infertility and even cancer. The best advice here is:
- To avoid flying during the first trimester of pregnancy when the mitotic activity of the fetal cells is at its most vulnerable stage
- Radiation badges should be worn to monitor the quantity of radiation received on very long flights
- Frequent flyers should get regular checkups by physicians that have knowledge in aviation medicine
Although all dangers can’t be totally avoided, many can be made negligible with a little planning. By following the advice above, many problems can be circumvented. Common sense and preparation are the keys to a healthy flight.
