Loading ...It is a known fact that the circulating air in aircraft cabins is dry. The air is dry since there is very little moisture in the air taken from outside the cabin to replenish supplies when the planes are at high altitude. It can cause irritation to eyes, sinus, nose and throat, but there are steps you can take to help alleviate the dryness.
To alleviate dry skin and lips use moisturizers and lip balm. For dry and irritated eyes, remove contact lenses and wear glasses during the flight. Use moisture eye drops to soothe irritation.
Although there is no evidence that the dry air results in significant internal dehydration in those otherwise fit and well, passengers would suggest it is in deed a side effect of flying. Alcohol and caffeine drinks can also cause dehydration especially when inadequate amounts of water are consumed. Therefore, passengers should try and drink sufficient levels of water and limit alcohol and caffeine during long flights.
Sitting still for long flights in the inevitably cramped positions frequently leads to swollen ankles and sometimes muscle cramps. Conditions such as Venous thrombosis in the legs and occasionally pulmonary emboli are rare, but can occur during air travel. These conditions can also occur in long bus, train and car journeys.
Preventive measures should include; ensuring good hydration, restricting alcohol and coffee intake, regular movement, stretching and mobility exercises.
Those with the following may be at increased risk and this should be assessed in advance of travel by the patient’s doctor; obesity, previous deep vein thrombosis, recent surgery or deep injury, being pregnant or less than 2 months post-natal, malignant disease or other chronic debilitating illnesses, cardio-respiratory disease, varicose veins, being on estrogen medication, medications -raloxifene or tamoxifen, or diagnosed with thrombophilia.
Advice for those at special risk may include the use of graded elastic compression stockings.
