Holidays are a fantastic experience for those who can afford to take time off work and soak up the sun in exotic foreign climates, but flying for hours at a time can be tiring both physically and mentally.
While a two-week all inclusive stay in Cancun, with 30C+ weather and golden shores sounds incredibly appealing, the 11-hour non-stop flight can be incredibly off-putting to those who are susceptible to the odd bout of travel sickness.
Dr Chun Tang, the Medical Director and GP at Pall Mall Medical notes how increased pressure and temperature, as well as fluctuating oxygen levels aboard a plane can sometimes upset a person's normal bodily functions - and when this is combined with the normal stress of take-off and landing, it's easy to see why anxiety can be sent into overdrive.
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But thankfully, the expert has a number of health tips to consider to make your flight that little bit less stressful, painful and unbearable on the whole - as reported by the PA News Agency.
Dehydration
Dr Tang says: "Airplanes can dehydrate you because half of the air circulating in the cabin comes from the outside, and when you’re at a higher altitude there is hardly any moisture in the air."
Should you wish to mitigate the impact of dehydration while flying, you should consider what you eat and drink both before, during and after flying. Dr Tang, advises: "Eat something light, like a salad and fruit. Avoid salty fast food, especially before flying, as this can cause bloating and dehydration.
"Many people like to have an alcoholic drink in the departure lounge prior to flying, but you are just dehydrating yourself further. Avoid coffee too and stick to fresh juices and water. After you’ve flown, tempting as it is to go and get an alcoholic beverage, keep drinking water to restore hydration.”
Germs
Dr Tang explains: "When you fly, you’re exposed to more germs because you’re near others – that’s why it’s common to catch a cold or sniffle following a flight. Your tray table, seatbelt and other surfaces that are frequently touched will also be covered with germs."
To prevent this, the expert suggests: "Carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser and cleaning wipes with you, and wash your hands frequently during travel."
Sleep
Jet-lag can become a real holiday nightmare, especially towards the start and end of a trip - but there are ways you can lessen its impact and keep your sleep cycle in tiptop shape. Tang says: "Exposure to light is incredibly important for regulating your body clock.
"When it’s dark outside, you’re more likely to fall asleep. If you’re travelling west to the USA or South America, for example, you should seek light in the evening time. If you’re headed east, then you want to restrict light exposure if you’re arriving at night-time and seek it out in the morning.
"Studies show that blue light from your smartphone or tablet can keep you awake, so avoid these when you’re trying to get some sleep."
Ears
Another possible side effect of flying can be ear stress due to pressure changes in the cabin - hence why people with ear infections are often advised to avoid flying. Dr Tang continued: "When the outside pressure changes quickly during take-off and landing, you may feel your ears pop.
"Sometimes this imbalance can cause motion sickness because your brain is receiving conflicting messages. Try swallowing or yawning to open the eustachian tubes [which connect the middle ear and throat] during take-off and landing."
Circulation
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a particularly prevalent concern for many travellers while air bound, with blood clotting - usually around the legs - having the potential to become extremely serious. Leading Venous Surgeon and founder of The Whiteley Clinic, Professor Mark Whiteley, explains: "One of the most common causes of DVT is prolonged periods of inactivity when travelling long distances.
"When people significantly reduce the activity in their legs, the blood flow becomes very sluggish in the deep veins – therefore putting people at a higher risk of a clot forming. It is important to keep as active as possible when flying by regularly stretching and going for a walk up and down the cabin aisle, at least once per hour if it is a long flight.
"I would also advise wearing properly fitted flight stockings. This speeds up the flow of blood in the veins and therefore reduces the risks of the blood clotting."
While anyone can potentially develop DVT, those who have a history of blood clots may be at an increased risk. Travellers are advised to speak to their doctor before flying.
Pre-existing conditions
Should you have a pre-existing health condition, it's always wise to check with your GP about specific aspects of flying which may affect you. Dr Tang, continued: "You’ll also need to ensure that you have purchased adequate travel insurance that will cover you should you require any medical attention while abroad."
Medication should also be stored in your hand luggage or carry-on bag in case it goes missing. Certain countries may have restrictions on certain medications - so you should also speak with your doctor well in advance about this.
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