India: If you are flying, and suffer from:
Middle ear infections or sinusitis:
A middle ear infection or sinusitis causes congestion in the nose. The congestion causes negative pressure in the middle ear. This could lead to hemorrhage, sometimes even hearing loss.
Expert advice
Dr Jayant P Gandhi, ENT Specialist
* A person suffering from a middle ear infection or sinusitis should avoid flying. In the case of an emergency, carry decongestion tablets.
* While landing, chew and swallow sour peppermints.
* Constantly sip on juice.
Pregnancy beyond 36 weeks:
Frequent flying is not hazardous to a pregnant woman, but check with your doctor before travelling. Pre-term labour risk is at its peak from the 26th week of pregnancy and carrying the doctor's file with you,
is advised.
* Consume fluids to avoid dehydration.
* Stomach ache and back ache are symptoms for pre-term labour.
* Pregnant women with asthma or diabetes should consult the doctor before flying, even in initial stages of pregnancy.
Beat jetlag
Travelling to distant parts of the world lead to the traveller ending up at a place where the time is out of sync, and cause exhaustion, constipation, and insomnia.
* Be prepared for exhaustion in the evenings, and early mornings, for up to 5 days.
* Sleep while flying to reduce symptoms of jet lag, but take short naps instead of sleeping for long hours.
* Rest before departure.
What the study revealed
Based on 3.3 billion seats available each year on commercial flights, with 70% occupancy, Dr Israel Potasman and colleagues from Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa found that stress, poor air quality, engine noise, and changes in barometric pressure can cause headaches.
2/3rd of those who suffered flight-associated headaches were women, and one-third had a family history of headaches.
19.2% said they experienced headaches every time they flew. A quarter said their headaches got worse as the plane soared.
Frequent fliers are susceptible to:
1. Dehydration
The circulating air in aircraft cabins is kept dry and this can lead to dehydration. Consumption of alcohol or coffee will worsen it.
Symptoms:
Thirst, scratchy eyes, bloodshot eyes, dry skin, wrinkled skin.
Tips:
* Drink at least eight ounces of water every hour.
* Spritz your face often; use an empty perfume atomizer and refill it from your own drinking water or buy a water spritzer.
* For humidified breathing air, cover your nose with a water-saturated cotton handkerchief. (Fold on the diagonal and wrap ends around your ears.)
* After landing, take a bath, instantly. It helps to replenish moisture and helps relax.
2. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Also called Economy Class Syndrome, it's a condition where a clot or thrombus typically forms in a deep vein in a leg, due to sitting still for long periods in cramped conditions. People with DVT may notice pain and swelling in the leg where the clot has formed, though smaller clots may not cause any symptoms. The major problem occurs when a part of the clot breaks off and flows to the lungs. This condition, called a Pulmonary Embolus, can cause severe injury, even death.
Tips:
* Regular stretching and walking around the cabin during the flight, helps.
* Drink sufficient fluids to keep your urine pale.
* Take a low dose Aspirin tablet (75mg) for its anti-adhesive effects on blood platelets.
* Wear graded compression stockings available at most pharmacies.
* Wear loose clothes to avoid constriction of veins.
Actor Pooja Bedi's flying tips
For long distance flights, I choose to wear comfortable clothing and avoid belts. To keep my face hydrated, I apply moisturiser, and drink loads of water. I catch up on my sleep, and reading, while travelling. After a long flight, I take a relaxing massage, and walk around, to mobilise my joints.
