Health and Wellness

Dehydration and Flying

Are you planning a trip this summer that includes flying?

Everyone knows that proper hydration is essential for good health but did you know it is

even more critical when flying? Dehydration is a common problem of all flights, as the

air is not properly humidified throughout the cabin. The effects of dehydration can be

more pronounced when flying. Symptoms of dehydration range from mild discomfort to

potential life-threatening problems which may include: dry month and nose, nausea,

thirst, exhaustion, muscle and joint pain, anginal pain, migraine, restlessness,

confusion, paranoia, anxiety, and hypotension (low blood pressure) and DVT (deep vein

thrombosis). Things that may contribute to or accentuate dehydration are: hot dry

climates, sickness (stomach flu), caffeine drinks, alcohol, and smoking.

Things you can do during flight to stay healthy and/or prevent dehydration include:

Drinking plenty of water before and during the flight. Buy a large bottle of

water before boarding your plane. It is suggested that you drink 8 ounces for

every hour of flying.

Avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, colas and alcohol. These are

diuretics and cause dehydration.

Pack a moisturizer to use during flight on hands and face.

Bring eye drops and saline nasal sprays.

Avoid eating a heavy meal during or before your flight. This can lead to

indigestion due to immobility.

Tense and relax your leg muscles as often as possible. The normal body

mechanism to return fluid to the heart can be inhibited and gravity can cause fluid

to collect in your feet.

Keep moving as much as possible during the flight. Get up and walk and/or

move your legs around while sitting still.

Carry documentation with you listing any allergies or medications that you are

on in the event of an emergency.

Following the above recommendations will help you stay healthy and hydrated, making

your flight a more pleasant part of your trip.

References: www.everydayhealth.com, www.qantas.com, www.flyingmag.com,

www.flighthealth.com, http://safetycenter.navy

Are you planning a trip this summer that includes flying?

Everyone knows that proper hydration is essential for good health but did you know it is

even more critical when flying? Dehydration is a common problem of all flights, as the

air is not properly humidified throughout the cabin. The effects of dehydration can be

more pronounced when flying. Symptoms of dehydration range from mild discomfort to

potential life-threatening problems which may include: dry month and nose, nausea,

thirst, exhaustion, muscle and joint pain, anginal pain, migraine, restlessness,

confusion, paranoia, anxiety, and hypotension (low blood pressure) and DVT (deep vein

thrombosis). Things that may contribute to or accentuate dehydration are: hot dry

climates, sickness (stomach flu), caffeine drinks, alcohol, and smoking.

Things you can do during flight to stay healthy and/or prevent dehydration include:

Drinking plenty of water before and during the flight. Buy a large bottle of

water before boarding your plane. It is suggested that you drink 8 ounces for

every hour of flying.

Avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, colas and alcohol. These are

diuretics and cause dehydration.

Pack a moisturizer to use during flight on hands and face.

Bring eye drops and saline nasal sprays.

Avoid eating a heavy meal during or before your flight. This can lead to

indigestion due to immobility.

Tense and relax your leg muscles as often as possible. The normal body

mechanism to return fluid to the heart can be inhibited and gravity can cause fluid

to collect in your feet.

Keep moving as much as possible during the flight. Get up and walk and/or

move your legs around while sitting still.

Carry documentation with you listing any allergies or medications that you are

on in the event of an emergency.

Following the above recommendations will help you stay healthy and hydrated, making

your flight a more pleasant part of your trip.

References: www.everydayhealth.com, www.qantas.com, www.flyingmag.com,

www.flighthealth.com, http://safetycenter.navy