Health Issues

Listed below are the main health issues associated with air travel, some well known; others less so. It is the exposure to these cumulative effects that results in travellers often feeling tired and jaded after a flight.

INABILITY TO SLEEP DURING A FLIGHT

There are many factors experienced during air travel that make it difficult to sleep during a long haul flight. A lack of rest is a problem for many passengers and can compound the effects of the other environmental factors experienced by passengers; this in turn often exacerbates the symptoms of jet lag at the end of a trip. Alcohol is frequently used to help promote sleep but will often only allow a short period of sleep and can result in a continued feeling of fatigue on waking.

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS [DVT]

Although not exclusive to air travel, DVT is however, one of the best known complications associated with long haul flight. Commonly and misguidedly referred to as ‘economy class syndrome’, it can affect any passenger who is prone to poor circulation wherever they are sitting.

DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS

Large numbers of the population suffer with ailments of this kind. Flying can often exacerbate them for a number of reasons. Changes in air pressure during ascent of the aircraft can cause expansion of air in body cavities (barotrauma) and digestive discomfort (descent can also cause problems). Digestive discomfort can also be caused by eating unfamiliar food on the flight or through nervousness and general stress that many experience when travelling by air. Other people may simply be prone to indigestion when they eat and if this is the case it can be made worse by flying and eating in unfamiliar surroundings.

DEHYDRATION

A combination of dry air, not drinking enough water or consumption of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages makes dehydration a problem for many people. Mile High offers a delicious alternative to these drinks with the added bonus of its beneficial ingredients and can be taken in conjunction with water or other non-diuretic drinks throughout the journey to help combat dehydration.

VIRUSES AND BACTERIA

A report in the Lancet in March 2005 indicated that aircraft like any confined space make transmission of viruses more likely. This is exacerbated because only approximately 50% of the air during flight is filtered through high efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA filters). There is also the issue of bacteria on frequently used surfaces thriving.

HYPOBARIC HYPOXIA

This is an effect that is virtually unknown to the general public; nevertheless, everyone who travels in the pressurized environment of an aircraft cabin is exposed to various degrees of hypobaric mild hypoxia depending on their current state of health. Also referred to as mountain sickness, it has varying affects on people. Research is ongoing, but is postulating that hypobaric hypoxia may be a contributory factor in people already at risk from DVT.

TRAVEL SICKNESS/NAUSEA

Travel or motion sickness is a problem encountered regularly by some people who travel by air. It can ruin your flight and exacerbate the effects of jet lag.

JET LAG

By helping to deal with the different factors that can occur during flight in the unique environment of the aircraft cabin their cumulative effect may be reduced, easing the symptoms associated with jet lag.

COSMIC RADIATION

Flying at 35000ft you have less protection from the atmosphere against cosmic radiation than at ground level. Although research is still ongoing with regard to its effect it has been established that frequent flyers and crew are bound to receive higher cumulative doses. It is common airline practice to ground female crew on declaration of pregnancy to avoid any occupational risks to them or to the foetus, primarily from cosmic radiation.