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For those travellers concerned about any in-flight health issues read this Newcastle Airport Health Risks When Flying guide. It gives information on issues such as Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT and motion sickness. |
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Newcastle Airport Health Risks When Flying ... |
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Very few air passengers suffer from any in-flight health problems. However, if you are concerned about the Newcastle Airport health risks when flying read on. This guide gives details on the most common in-flight health issues along with symptoms and preventative measures that can be taken including Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT, motion sickness and jet lag.
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Air passengers can be exposed to various in-flight health issues, however the serious illnesses are very rare, and mostly occur in those passengers who are either prone to illness or have suffered with recent surgical trauma.
Here are details on the types of in-flight health problems suffered: |
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DVT - Deep Vein Thrombosis ... |
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| DVT - what is it? |
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Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT - is where the blood clots in one of the deep laid veins of either the calf, thigh or pelvis as blood flow has become dehydrated sluggish. This is usually as a result of the travellers being dehydrated or having recently undergone trauma like for example abdominal surgery, heart disease and even childbirth.
DVT is most common in passengers travelling long haul. This is because of the cramped conditions passengers are exposed to and the fact that they are limited in the amount of exercise they can take. |
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| Those at risk from DVT? |
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- Persons over 40
- A family or past history DVT
- Recent abdominal or leg surgery or injury to the hips or knees
- Recent childbirth or pregnancy
- Cancer, and in particular some cancer treatments
- Heart and circulation problems
- Obesity
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| Avoiding DVT? |
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- Drink lots of water both before and throughout the flight, avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated drinks
- Wear loose clothing
- Stretch the muscles of your lower legs when seated as well as your feet
- Leave the under of the seat in front of you free so you can stretch out
- Walk around the cabin every hour or so
- Wear the graduated compression flight stockings
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| Symptoms of DVT? |
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Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT in itself is uncomfortable but it's not the biggest concern of this symptom.
The biggest concern is the sequel to DVT when a piece of the blood clot, called a pulmonary embolus, breaks off, travelling to the right side of the heart, causing heart problems or even heart attack.
Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT often shows no signs of any symptoms for passengers to identify, however, some passengers do suffer from the following: |
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- Aching and/or soreness in the calf
- A swelling in the ankles or calf
- A slight fever and generally feeling unwell
- Sometimes the symptoms won't start for several days/weeks
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| If you suspect DVT? |
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If you suspect DVT arrange to see your doctor as soon as possible - treatment is relatively simple in most cases.
If you're away and you suspect DVT contact your holiday rep or airline straight away. |
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Cabin Pressure Sickness ... |
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| Cabin pressure sickness is caused as the plane's cabin is pressurized when flying at altitude. It's this air pressure, that's much lower than we are used to, that makes us feel sick as it contains less oxygen and is much dryer, causing: |
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- Ears to hurt during take-off and/or landing - try drinking through a straw so you are constantly swallowing or sucking on a sweet
- Any passengers suffering from heart or breathing problems should always take their medication before flying and carry them safely in their hand luggage
- Any alcohol consumped before or on a flight has 2 to 3 times the effect of a drink at sea level
- Dehydration is a common problem on longer flights so be sure to drink plenty ofwater and avoid alcohol and caffeine drinks
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Common Motion Sickness... |
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| Motion sickness is the most common in-flight health risk experienced when flying. And even more so if turbulence is being experienced. If you are prone to suffering try the following preventative measures: |
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- Try requesting a window seat
- Or a seat over the wings
- Do avoid any alcohol 24hrs before and during the flight
- Keep your seat belt fastened during flight
- Try natural motion sickness remedies like
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- Vitamin B6 that helps alleviate dizziness
- Magnesium that reduces stomach acidity and stress
- Peppermint that prevents vomiting and boasts antispasmodic properties
- Ginkgo Bilboa that's helpful for chronic dizziness and light-headedness
- Or ginger extract that helps prevent nausea
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- Consult your doctor if you know you suffer very badly from motion sickness
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If you are flying and you are taking medication do make sure that all of your medication is carried in your hand luggage, where it is easily accessible, and not packed in your main luggage.
For a safe and comfortable flight take note of the following advice to avoid any Newcastle Airport health risks when flying: |
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- Carry all medicines in your hand luggage, with enough supplies to cover any delays
- If a diabetes or epilepsy sufferer always carry your notification and identification card - along with the contact details of your doctor - on your person
- Inform your airline of any pre-existing medical problems you have
- Do check if the Country you are travelling to requires you to have any vaccinations
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Jet lag is very common but no at all serious. Symptoms do vary passenger to passengers however mostly it just causes people to feel very tired.
Jet lag is when the body's internal clock is out of sync with the actual time, often made worse when travelled east, or through many different time zones.
Here are some helpful tips on how to either avoid or deal with jet lag: |
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- Try and move your meal times and sleep times more towards the times of the Country you are travelling to
- Reset your watch to the new time zone the moment you take off
- Eat small meals and drink lots of water throughout your flight
- Caffeine drinks help mask fatigue for a day or two after you have landed
- Herbal teas and sleeping pills can help aid sleep, or speak to your doctor if your symptoms are serious
- The occasional nap during the day can help but for no more than 30 minutes twice a day
- Ginseng, has been known for centuries to fight fatigue.
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