Dangers of frequent air travels

I travel a lot by air due to the nature of my job. Kindly let me know the problems associated with this and how to resolve them.

Linus (by SMS)

People who travel on airplanes may have concerns about the potential effect flying has on the body, particularly if they fly regularly. However, it is not common for people to experience health conditions or complications directly due to flying.

Frequent and prolonged air travels can cause temporary effects, such as ear discomfort, jet lag, and dehydration. It can also increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT may arise during travel because people sit still in confined spaces for long periods. However, many people take flights without any health complications.

The following factors can increase a person’s risk of developing blood clots: being more than 40 years of age, obesity, having had surgery or an injury within 3 months, using birth control that contains estrogen, pregnancy and the postpartum period, hormone replacement therapy, having had a previous blood clot, a family history of blood clots, active cancer or recent cancer treatment, having limited mobility and varicose veins. flying has the potential to increase blood pressure.

This is because commercial flights take place at very high altitudes, which can cause changes to the cardiovascular system. These include an increased heart rate, more contracted heart muscles, and changes in how much blood the heart can pump.

Some stressful factors due to the flight may also affect blood pressure, including: anxiety during take-off and landing, aircraft noises as well as changes in body position as the airplane accelerates and decelerates. The best way to prepare for a flight may depend on the travel duration and the specific health conditions a person has.

These include; wearing loose, comfortable clothing, using compression socks, walking around during long flights, keeping hydrated, storing luggage overhead to give the legs more room, avoiding alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or sleeping medication, performing regular anti-DVT exercises, such as heel raises, getting plenty of rest before traveling, changing sleeping routines before flying to reduce the risk of jet lag, avoiding large meals before traveling as well as taking medication, such as antihistamines, to help prevent travel sickness.

People with health challenges should also speak to their doctor before flying if they have concerns about their health on the trip.

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