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Whilst few passengers ever suffer from any serious in-flight health risks, here we give details on the possible problems for Manchester travellers for health risks when flying such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and motion sickness. |
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Flying is one of the safest forms of transport, even any health risks associated with flying are minimal.
However, if you are concerned at all take a moment to read this guide, when flying from Manchester, on health risks when flying.
As well as detailing any inflight health risks there is also unofficial information on prevention and cure too.
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In-flight Health When Flying... |
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Flights, especially long-haul trips, can potentially expose passengers to a number of health risks like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), air sickness and jet lag.
Any passengers with any pre-existing health problems can be more susceptible to these conditions.
Here are some tips for ‘healthy flying’. |
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Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) ... |
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| DVT - what is it? |
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DVT is where blood clots develop within the deep veins of the thigh, calf or pelvis, normally because the blood flow has become sluggish, through dehydration. Or, what can also cause DVT is any trauma from child birth, abdominal surgery or heart disease.
Deep vein thrombosis can occur therefore in passengers travelling by air - especially those on a long haul flight - as they often have little room to move and therefore aren't able to walk around. Some travellers, if suffering from pre-existing medical conditions, can be more prone to DVT: |
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| Who is at risk from DVT? |
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- People over 40
- Family history DVT
- Recent abdominal or leg surgery or injury to the hips or knees
- Pregnancy or recent child birth
- Cancer and some cancer treatments
- Heart or circulation problems
- Obesity
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| How To Avoid DVT? |
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- Drink lots of water to keep hydrated - avoid alcohol and caffeinate
- Wear loose fitting clothing
- Stretch out the muscles of your legs whist sitting and move and stretch your feet
- Don't place items under the seat in front of you so you can move more easily
- Walk about the cabin every few hours
- Wear flight socks which are graduated compression stockings
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| Symptoms Of DVT? |
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Deep vein thrombosis can be uncomfortable but it's the sequel to DVT that's of particular concern. When a piece of the blood clot, called a pulmonary embolus, breaks off and travels to the right side of the heart this can cause heart problems or even heart attack.
Sometimes there are no symptoms for DVT however some may suffer some of the following symptoms: |
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- Soreness or aching 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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| What do I do if I think I have DVT? |
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See a Doctor immediately if you suspect you are suffering from deep vein thrombosis. And don't panic. In most cases treatment is relatively simple.
Or, if you're abroad contact your holiday rep or airline. |
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The cabin pressure on board a plane is pressurized at a much lower pressure than we are normally use to at ground level.
This low pressure means that less oxygen is circulating in the air and it's much dryer. These factors can cause several effects on passengers: |
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- Ears hurting during take-off or landing as the cabin pressure is changing - try chewing gum, swallowing often or even sucking a sweet
- Take your preventative medicines before travel if you are on any medication, making sure they are in your hand luggage
- When flying alcohol becomes 2 to 3 times stronger than a drink at sea level
- Dehydration is a problem on flights so drink lots of water and avoid alcoholic and caffeine drinks.
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| Motion sickness can be very common, especially if experiencing turbulence on a fight. Try these following tips to help to ease the symptoms: |
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- Book a window seat
- Or request a seat over the wings
- Avoid any alcohol 24hrs before your flight
- Keep your seat belt fastened throughout flight
- Natural remedies can help for motion sickness:
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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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Medicines And Vaccinations |
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| Remembering to take your medicines can make a huge different to the comfort of your flight if you suffer from any medical conditions. The following reminds should help you: |
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- Carry all medicines in your hand luggage and pack enough medicines to last longer than your trip in case you get delayed.
- Carry your notification and identification card if you have diabetes or epilepsy.
- Passengers with heart or breathing problems, take your preventative medicines before travel, and carry your medicines in your hand luggage.
- Advise the airline of any medical problems when booking your flight.
- Check with your Doctor well in advance of travel that you have had the correct vaccinations for the place you are travelling to.
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Jet lag can also be very common, and usually nothing more serious than just feeling a little tired for a few days, as the internal body clock is out of sync with the actual time.
Jet lag can seem worse when travelling east from the UK and also can be worse if you've travelled through lots of different time zones. |
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- If you schedule permits try and move meals and sleep times 1-2hrs towards your destination time and rest well before the flight.
- Reset your watch to the time of the Country you're travelling to as soon as you've taken off.
- Eat light meals and keep well hydrated with water and fruit juices, avoiding alcohol.
- Caffeinated drinks to help mask fatigue during the days after flying.
- Try some of the herbal sleeping pills if you are having trouble sleeping. In extreme cases consult your Doctor.
- The occasional nap during the day can sometimes help but limit them to about half an hour.
- Try the herb Ginseng, used for centuries to fight fatigue.
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