Motion Sickness
Modern jets fly at relatively high altitudes and hence avoid major turbulence. But if you are especially prone to motion sickness, here are some things you can do. The evening before you fly, have a quiet night in and stay off spicy food. Avoid alcohol the night before and on the day of flight. When in-flight, eat lightly and drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration. If you start to feel nauseous, try to keep your head still. Drop your seat back and close your eyes. If such measures fail, you may wish to consider taking anti-sickness tables on the market.
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Stress of flying
These relaxation techniques are designed to relieve stress. To begin, recline your seat and close your eyes.
Controlled Breathing
Breathe in steadily, as you count slowly to three. Hold your breath momentarily, and then breathe out steadily, counting to three. Practice for 10 to 15 minutes.
Biofeedback
Picture yourself in a relaxed situation, perhaps on a tropical beach. Concentrate and relax each part of your body in turn feet, legs, thighs, tummy, chest and so on. Over several minutes, your pulse and breathing rates should be reduced and gradually tension will drain away.
Cabin Pressure changes
Minor pressure adjustments during take off and landing sometimes cause ‘blocked’ ears. To avoid this discomfort, try sucking on boiled sweets or the Valsalva Manoeuvre – pinch your nose and blow, which ‘pops’ your ears. If you have suspected ear infection, you should consult a doctor before you fly.
FOOD AND DRINKS
Another cabin pressure effect is ‘gas production’. As cabin pressure falls, the air in the intestines expands and causes mild bloating and discomfort. Always eat and drink in moderation during a long flight. Also, keep fully hydrated at all times with lots of clear fluids, especially water.
JET LAG
When you travel across time zones, jet lag is hard to avoid. However, napping during the flight helps – dim the lights and drop your seat back. Alcohol upsets sleep patterns, so try not to drink too much. Once you land, adopt local time immediately. If possible, avoid any commitments in the first couple of days.
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PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Asthma and Chest Diseases
Well-controlled asthma should be no bar to flying. Asthmatic flyers should avoid anything that may trigger an attack and be well stocked with inhalers. If you are wheezy before your flight, seek medical attention, then a final medical OK to board.
During take off, the slight drop in oxygen pressure may cause problems for other chest conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. At home, if you experience breathlessness even at rest, cannot manage a 50-metre walk without breathing difficulty, or are in any doubt at all, get a formal medical evaluation from specialist chest physician.
Heart Disease
As a general guide, people with heart disease who are able to walk up a dozen stairs without problems should be fit to fly. But patients with frequent chest pain (angina attacks) should be very cautious – they are twice as likely to suffer an attack in the air as on the ground. If you’ve recently had a heart attack (myocardial infarction), you are usually advised not to fly. Well-controlled blood pressure (hypertension) should create no problems for the air traveler.
Diabetes
The standard advice is to stay on home time throughout the journey. Eat breakfast and take an insulin shot in the middle of the night if necessary – meals should be arranged with the airline before departure. After landing, adjust to local times. Remember to keep medication in the luggage. In case of difficulties, have a letter on hand in advance, outlining your condition and medication.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy in itself is no bar to flying. However, most airlines do not allow flight after 35th week of pregnancy. Pregnant women should always check with immigration authorities at their destination regarding entry regulations.
Miscellaneous Conditions
A minimum of three weeks is recommended for anyone intending to fly after a recent stroke. People with epilepsy are perfectly able to fly. But if prone to regular fits, they should increase their medication on the advice of their doctor and tail it down upon landing at their destination. Individuals with severe anaemia (blood count or haemoglobin less than 7.5g/dl) are usually advised not to fly.
DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)
DVT is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins within the calf and leg muscles. Usually a spontaneous condition that occurs in individuals at risk (such as those with heart disease or the elderly), periods of prolonged leg immobility can trigger it very occasionally. Warning signs are pain and tenderness in the leg muscles, redness and swelling of the skin. If the blood clot moves to the ling (a pulmonary embolus), breathing difficulties can occur. If you experience any of these symptoms, let a cabin staff know immediately. Or, if you have already left the aircraft, seek medical attention right away.
While flying with us, we advise that you keep exercising those leg muscles. If practical, take regular walks around the cabin, except when the fasten seat belt sign is displayed. While seated, perform a few simple exercises. Alcohol also increases the risk of developing such a condition. We would advise you to drink more water, which not only keeps you hydrated, but also maintains your physical well-being.
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