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In-flight health is a concern for many passengers however any persons found to be suffering are few and far between. Here we give details on Glasgow Airport health risks when flying such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and motion sickness. |
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Glasgow Airport Health Risks When Flying ... |
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Any in-flight health risks aren't at all common, however if you are concerned read the symptoms associated with any health risks when flying such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and motion sickness, and tips on how best to avoid such ill health.
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Any passenger likely to suffer from any in-flight health is normally one who is travelling long-haul, although not exclusively so.
Regardless of where you are travelling to, and how long your flight is, it's well worth reading the below unofficial information should one of your travelling party become unwell. |
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DVT - Deep Vein Thrombosis ... |
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| About DVT? |
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DVT is where blood clots within one of the deep veins of the thigh, calf or pelvis develop, as the blood flow has become slow and sluggish, normally as the blood has become dehydrated or from operation trauma like heart disease, abdominal surgery or childbirth.
It's because of the cramped conditions and long periods of immobility when travelling by air that people may suffer from DVT. |
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| Risk Categories of DVT? |
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- People over 40.
- Family history DVT.
- Recent abdominal or leg surgery or injury to the knees or hips.
- Pregnancy or recently having had a baby.
- Cancer, in particular some cancer treatments.
- Heart problems.
- Obesity.
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| Avoid DVT? |
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- Keep hydrated - drink lots of water throughout your flight - and avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
- Wear loose fitting clothing.
- Exercise your lower legs and feet by doing lots of stretches.
- Leave the underneath of the seat in front of you free so you can move more easily.
- Walk about the cabin every 1-2hrs.
- Wear graduated compression stockings often known as ‘flight socks’ – particularly important if you are in a high-risk category.
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| Symptoms of DVT? |
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DVT can be uncomfortable but the sequel to DVT is where a piece of the blood clot, called a pulmonary embolus, breaks off and travels to the right side of the heart and this can cause the biggest threat to sufferers causing heart problems or even heart attack.
In some cases there are no symptoms, but many people may suffer some of the following symptoms: |
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- Aching or soreness in the calf.
- Swelling in the calf or ankles.
- Slight fever and feeling unwell.
- Symptoms may not start for several days or even weeks.
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| If you suspect DVT? |
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If you suspect you might be suffering from DVT you need to see a doctor immediately - treatment is relatively simple in most cases.
If overseas and you suspect you are suffering contact your holiday rep or airline straight away. |
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Cabin pressure Sickness ... |
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Aircraft cabins are pressurised as flying at altitude that's kept at a much lower pressure than we're use to at ground level.
This low pressure means slightly less oxygen is circulating and it's much dryer.
These factors can cause several effects on passengers: |
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- If your ears hurt during take-off or landing try swallowing often, chewing gum or sucking a sweet.
- Passengers with heart or breathing problems, take your preventative medicines before travel, and carry your medicines in your hand luggage.
- Avoid alcohol as it has 2 to 3 times the effect of a drink at sea level.
- Dehydration is a big problem on longer flights so drink water and avoid alcohol and caffeine drinks.
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| Motion sickness is the most common in-flight health problem - mostly when turbulence is experienced on a fight - so try some of the following: |
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- Request, or try pre-booking a window seat.
- Ask for a seat over the wings.
- Avoid alcoholic drinks 24hrs before flight.
- Keep your seat belt fastened during flight.
- Try some natural remedies:
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- Vitamin B6 helps alleviate dizziness, which leads to nausea by promoting the normal function of the nervous system.
- Magnesium reduces stomach acidity and stress.
- Peppermint prevents vomiting and has antispasmodic properties.
- Ginkgo Bilboa is helpful for chronic dizziness and light-headedness.
- Ginger extract can help prevent nausea.
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- Consult your doctor about motion sickness if necessary.
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| Any passengers taking medication must take special care to pack enough medicines for both the flight, their pre-flight time at the airport and also enough to cover any delays that may be experienced. |
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- Pack medicines in your hand luggage with enough medicines to last longer than your trip in case you get delayed.
- If you have epilepsy or diabetes carry your notification and identification card plus the phone number of your doctor.
- Advise the airline of any medical problems when booking your flight.
- Ask your doctor well in advance of travel what vaccinations are needed for the place you are travelling to.
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Jet lag symptoms vary but for the mostly is just tiredness for a day or so.
Jet lag is often worse the more time zones you've travelled through. Evidence also shows that travelling east can cause jet lag also.
Try the following tips to try and avoid jet lag: |
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- Move the times you'd normally eat and sleep times 1-2hrs towards your destination time and rest well before the flight.
- Reset your watch to the destination time once taken off.
- Eat lightly and keep hydrated with water and fruit juices avoid alcohol.
- Caffeine drinks can help mask fatigue during the days after flying.
- Some people suffer from insomnia, try some of the herbal sleeping pills obtainable from your chemist, or consult your doctor if you require sleeping medication.
- Don't be afraid to have an occasional half hour nap.
- Ginseng's been used for centuries to fight fatigue.
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