Getting ill on a flight would be the worst possible scenario. Nevertheless, it does occur ― in many forms. Travelers run the risk of developing a host of uncomfortable and even hazardous ailments while in the air. While in the air, passengers may experience a variety of symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, vertigo, congestion, blood clots, sinus infections, and tinnitus.
“The change in air pressure can sometimes worsen a bad sinus infection when you fly,” HuffPost was informed by Dr. Danielle Qing of Mount Sinai’s Department of Internal Medicine, An Assistant Professor. In very unusual cases, this may produce a perforation of the eardrum, which may be felt as a popping sound. Lastly, there’s motion sickness, which manifests itself in a variety of ways including the aforementioned symptoms as well as headaches, lightheadedness, vomiting, and nausea. It may become much worse if there’s turbulence.
Dealing with motion sickness when in the air is no picnic. To paraphrase what Dr. Daniel Chandler, a primary care physician at Tufts Medical Center, had to say: “Airplanes are funny places because things that would be so easy to fix on the ground are more difficult to fix in the air due to a lack of resources and people to fix it.”
But if you do happen to get unwell while flying, there are things you may do to make things better. If you or a loved one get sick while flying, HuffPost has spoken with medical professionals for advice:
1. Look away from screens.
Chandler advised passengers who were feeling queasy about the motion to stay away from visual stimuli, like as phones and airplane TVs. Get some rest instead. However, try listening to some music, a podcast, or an audiobook if you’re having trouble sleeping.
Looking at the vomit bags in the chairs can actually make you feel worse, therefore he warned against that if you were trying to avoid feeling sick.
A gastroenterologist and associate professor of medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Dr. Rabia De Latour, said, “Look at the distant sky if you are sitting next to a window ” You should also not move your head around needlessly, she said.
In the case of lightheadedness, Qing had similar words of wisdom to impart.
She suggested trying closing one’s eyes and using a cold compress as a means to alleviate discomfort.
2. Make sure you drink plenty of water.
Dehydration may amplify the symptoms of nausea and gastrointestinal issues, so it’s important to drink enough of water when you’re sick. You may avoid going to the restroom again if you drink your fluids slowly and carefully.
De Latour advised using water instead of fizzy drinks to hydrate.
No matter how healthy you are, it’s important to stay hydrated on flying days due to the drying effects of the aircraft cabin. If you’re experiencing headaches or dizziness, drinking plenty of water will help.
3. Make an effort to consume some food.
Eating could be the last thing on your mind when you’re unwell. However, make an effort to eat at least a little bit.
Chandler suggested trying bread or crackers. “Some bland food stuck in your stomach can help alleviate some of that nausea.”
In instances of nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, the BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—is advocated by several specialists. Snacks that may aid with chronic diseases are also a good idea for travelers to bring along.
4. Take medicine.
If you have diabetes or angina, for example, or any number of other chronic ailments, it is wise to have an additional supply of medicine with you whenever you travel, according to Qing. In the event that your checked baggage goes missing, it is wise to have a minimum of seven days’ worth of medicine in your carry-on.
Chandler advised using Dramamine or similar medicine if you’ve ever been sick from traveling.
“You might want to bring medicine for traveler’s diarrhea if you’re traveling to a country where that often happens,” Chandler said. Typically, you’ll have to endure a miserable twelve to twenty-four hours. However, remember to drink plenty of water.
5. Remain seated.
You should remain in your seat if you are sick on an airplane, particularly if you are feeling vertigo or migraines, but certain diseases may need frequent toilet breaks.
Passing the time and keeping your body calm throughout the trip is best accomplished if you can fall asleep while sitting or laying down.
“Vertigo is another possible cause of dizziness,” Chandler said. Some medications may alleviate vertigo symptoms, whether you’re born with a tendency to them or have experienced them yourself. In any case, maintain a lowered head position with closed eyes. You could feel less lightheaded if you decrease your center of gravity a little.
6. Inform an airline employee.
Although it may be humiliating, you must notify a member of the flight crew if you are suffering any kind of health problem, including vomiting or diarrhea, while you are in the air.
If you’re experiencing lightheadedness and notice that your symptoms are becoming worse, inform a flight attendant right away. If the crew knows more about you, they will be more prepared to help you.
Additionally, many airlines provide a selection of over-the-counter drugs that might perhaps alleviate your symptoms.
7. Watch out for clots in the blood.
Qing warned that blood clots should be closely monitored, especially for those with a history of them, and that this is especially true for long-distance flights. Keeping your legs moving periodically is the greatest way to prevent blood clots. A blood clot could develop if you have swelling or discomfort in only one leg.
Blood clots are more likely to form while you are sedentary for lengthy periods of time, and they may be much more dangerous during certain medical circumstances, such as pregnancy. Qing advised anyone with a history of blood clots to walk down the aisle every few hours as a precaution against the development of new clots.
Chandler highlighted that most flight-related blood clots form after touching down. But he warned that travelers should be careful since almost 20-hour trips are becoming more common. If you want to reduce your risk of blood clots on lengthy flights, Chandler suggests taking short walks every 30 to 60 minutes. It is crucial to inform the cabin staff if there is any uneven swelling in the legs, since it may indicate possible health issues, he said.
