Summer is for many the opportunity to reach the destination of their dreams by plane. In 2016, flights from France welcomed nearly 155 million people. “Air travel, especially over long distances, exposes passengers to various phenomena that can adversely affect their health and well-being,” recalls the WHO (World Health Organization). Most often, these disorders are without consequences. But, in some cases, they can be bothersome and lead to complications. Precautions are therefore necessary. “Travelers can reduce these risks through simple actions before, during and after the flight,” says Dr. Vincent Feuillie, Air France’s medical adviser.
Air too dry
We think about hydrating
The problem. The humidity level in the cabin is low, generally less than 20%, compared to 50 to 100% on the ground. Signs of discomfort appear as soon as it drops below 40%.
The risks. Very dry air can dry out the skin and mucous membranes of the nose and mouth, as well as the cornea. In general, it does not have a significant impact on the state of hydration of the body.
• Advice “Drink water every two hours and prefer glasses to contact lenses,” advises Dr. Feuillie. Can also
apply moisturizer to the face, and use a nasal saline spray to moisten the nostrils. “
Read also: My ideal beauty case for traveling by plane
Lower oxygen levels
No problem if you’re healthy
The problem. The cabin air contains enough oxygen for everyone. But due to the altitude, the blood absorbs less and therefore brings less to the organs (hypoxia).
The risks. In most cases, everything goes well, but this hypoxia can cause drowsiness and fatigue, even in healthy people: this is called “altitude sickness”. In those who suffer from chronic respiratory failure, the drop in oxygen may be very badly tolerated and cause serious problems.
• Advice “Mountain sickness is not worrying and disappears as soon as the plane comes down, explains Professor Jean-François Muir, pulmonologist. On the other hand, if you suffer from chronic respiratory failure, you should consult your doctor before leaving and provide additional oxygen during the flight. “
Prolonged immobility
We drink and move regularly
The problem Sitting for several hours can cause blood to pool in the legs and cause a blood clot to form in a deep vein (thrombosis).
The risks In most cases, the clots are small and don’t cause any symptoms. But larger ones can cause swelling and pain in the leg (phlebitis). If part of the clot breaks off and lodges in the lungs, it ispulmonary embolism, which is accompanied by chest pain and difficulty breathing – an emergency that can occur after landing.
• Advice “Wearing loose clothing and putting on compression socks facilitates blood circulation,” recalls Dr. Feuillie. You should also drink water regularly, move every 2 hours and do seated exercises.
Example : heel on the ground, raise the toes; toes on the ground, raise the heels (10 times). “We avoid sleeping tablets, which promote immobility, ”adds our expert.
Plugged ears on landing
You have to swallow your saliva
The problem. When the plane begins to land, the pressure in the cabin rises. As a result, the air in the sinuses and the middle ear (behind the eardrum) contracts. Hence the feeling of blocked nose and ears, sometimes very unpleasant.
The risks. If the air does not circulate well between the middle ear and the outside environment, the pressure puts even more pressure on the eardrum.
This can lead to a very painful inflammation called barotraumatic otitis.
• Advice During the descent, swallow saliva, yawn, eat or drink. Give a candy to the children, the bottle or the pacifier to the infants. “Swallowing generally alleviates the discomfort felt,” explains Dr. Feuillie. If the problem persists, take a breather
very strong through the nose, closed mouth and pinched nostrils (Valsalva maneuver). In case of infection of the ear, nose or sinus, avoid flying. Or talk to your doctor, who can then prescribe a decongestant nasal spray.
What to do if…
• We are afraid of the plane: learn to manage your anxiety on your own, with behavioral self-therapy manuals, or follow behavioral and cognitive therapy.
Other solution : an anti-stress course offered by an airline, such as Air France.
• We used to smoke : think of chewing gum and nicotine patches to support abstinence during the flight.
• We are seasick: if possible reserve a seat in the middle of the cabin (at the level of the wings), where the movements of the aircraft are less pronounced.
• We do scuba diving : do not dive within 24 hours to avoid any decompression sickness during the flight, nor immediately after (wait 24 hours).
Read also: How to deal with your fear of flying?
Baby: practical advice for flying
Are there any contraindications?
• No air travel for newborns under 48 hours …
• … neither after the 36th week of pregnancy.
• Also avoid in cases of angina pectoris with chest pain at rest, respiratory failure unbalanced by a device delivering oxygen. On the other hand, no problem if it is a stabilized chronic disease: diabetes, Sleep Apnea… As long as you take your treatment in the cabin.
• In the event of a progressive communicable disease such as varicella during the push (afterwards, ask for a medical certificate if there are any pimples left).
• After abdominal or eye surgery, wait 15 days to 1 month.
Our experts
Dr Vincent Feuillie, Air France medical consultant
Prof. Jean-François Muir, pulmonologist, at Rouen University Hospital
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