2023-12-14 10:36:42
Dr. Matthew Goldman said that the factors included in the internal environment of aircraft cabins, in addition to the process of air travel itself, all affect the natural functions of the body, but at the same time he stressed that there are some preventive steps that can be taken to reduce this. The effect is kept to the minimum possible limits.
Goldman, a family medicine specialist at the Cleveland Clinic in the United States, explained, “The pressure, temperature, and oxygen levels in the airplane cabin are constantly fluctuating, and the humidity inside airplanes is lower than it is at sea level, and all of these factors can cause It interferes with the normal functions of the human body. In addition, “there is the process of flying itself, which leads to moving between time zones, and coming into close contact with dozens or perhaps hundreds of new people.”
Dr. Goldman added that the stress associated with travel itself can affect our bodies, and therefore individuals are advised to plan travel well in advance to reduce this effect.
He added, “Individuals can go to the airport early to avoid stress, which may affect them due to unexpected traffic congestion on the road, or long queues at the airport. Travelers who take medications can also put them in a portable bag that allows them to access them easily.” When needed, individuals with diabetes or certain health conditions must ensure that they request special meals appropriate to their conditions in advance.”
Dr. Goldman continued that if individuals feel that they are not well, it may be better for them to postpone travel, and he said in this context, “If the Eustachian tube in the ear is blocked, due to inflammation resulting from a cold or allergy, the ear may not be able to From equalizing pressure during take-off and landing, which may cause pain or damage to the ear.”
Dr. Goldman explained that there are 5 ways in which air travel can affect the body, noting at the same time that there are steps that individuals can take to reduce the effects resulting from travel.
1- Drought risks
Dr. Goldman pointed out that aircraft cabins are characterized by very low levels of humidity, due to the fact that regarding 50% of the air inside them comes from outside the aircraft at high altitudes, where the air is almost completely devoid of humidity, which may lead to dryness of the throat and nose. And the eyes and skin, so it may be necessary for the traveler to bring an empty water bottle that can be filled following completing security inspection procedures at the airport, and to carry small containers of moisturizing cream, eye drops, and nasal sprays in the hand luggage.
Dr. Goldman recommended that travelers wear glasses instead of contact lenses to avoid the uncomfortable feeling they may experience due to dry eyes.
2- Low body energy
Dr. Goldman said, “Atmospheric pressure is lower at high altitudes, which means the body takes in less oxygen. Therefore, airlines compress the air in aircraft cabins, but not to the same degree as at sea level, so the amount of “The oxygen entering the body remains low, which may lead to a feeling of fatigue, and sometimes difficulty breathing. Dehydration and sitting for long periods also make matters worse, especially when traveling to another time zone.”
Dr. Goldman emphasized that hydrating the body with fluids is important to address this problem, and he recommended that travelers get up from the seat, walk a little inside the plane, and do stretching exercises while sitting, such as raising the ball of the foot up and pulling it, then extending it forward and pulling the toes, in order to ensure Continuous blood flow.
As for individuals, who travel to other time zones for short periods of one or two days, they must keep the sleep periods consistent with the sleep periods in the time zone from which the travelers came.
If individuals feel unwell, it may be better for them to postpone travel (Shutterstock)
3- Pressure on the ears and motion sickness
“The pressure in the cabin is constantly changing, so the air pressure in the inner ear is trying to adapt to the changes and equalize the pressure, and this equalization is what helps maintain balance,” Dr. Goldman said. “The rapid change in external pressure during take-off and landing causes the tissues to “The middle ear and Eustachian tube are under pressure, so the ear tries to adjust the pressure difference.”
“A pressure imbalance may cause motion sickness, which occurs when the brain receives conflicting messages regarding movement and the body’s position in the surrounding space from the inner ear, eyes, receptors in the skin, and sensors in the muscles and joints,” Dr. Goldman explained.
Dr. Goldman recommended swallowing or yawning during takeoff and landing in order to open the Eustachian tube, which controls air pressure in the middle ear. In order to reduce motion sickness, the traveler can choose a seat next to the window above the suite, where the degree of movement is at its lowest levels and allows him to see the horizon line.
4- Bloating
Dr. Goldman pointed out that changes in air pressure in the plane lead to the expansion of gases in the stomach and intestines, which makes travelers feel bloated, and therefore travelers should avoid eating foods that cause an increase in gases before and during the flight.
5- Exposure to germs
Dr. Goldman said: “Some people may think that the air circulated inside the aircraft cabin is the reason that makes passengers more susceptible to illness, but in fact airlines use advanced air filtration systems in aircraft that are able to get rid of bacteria, fungi and viruses.” “In the air. The close proximity of large numbers of passengers during travel is actually what can cause illness.”
Therefore, Dr. Goldman stressed the need for travelers to obtain all necessary vaccinations before traveling, carry a small bottle of sanitizer, and wash hands well throughout the trip.
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