- 1. The body becomes dehydrated
- 2. Legs and feet swell
- 3. The body is exposed to radiation
- 4. Taste changes
- 5. The ear hurts
- 6. The belly swells
- 7. Oxygen in the blood decreases
- 8. The risk of disease increases
During an airplane trip, the body can undergo changes that are related to the low air pressure inside the plane, leading to a decrease in the humidity of the environment and oxygenation of the organism.
These factors can cause symptoms such as ear pain, swelling in the legs, changes in taste, dehydration, among others, which can be relieved by following some tips.
1. The body becomes dehydrated
The humidity of the air inside the airplane is less than half of the ideal value, which makes the water in the skin evaporate more easily, thus drying out the skin, the mucosa of the mouth, nose and throat and the eyes. In addition, low humidity can also trigger seizures in people with asthma or chronic bronchitis.
So it is recommended to drink plenty of water during the flight and moisturize your lips and skin as soon as possible.
2. Legs and feet swell
Sitting too long during a flight causes blood to accumulate in the legs and feet, causing swelling, which may increase the risk of thrombosis.
Thus, it is recommended to stimulate circulation by moving your feet up and down, taking a walk on the plane or even putting on compression stockings before the flight.
3. The body is exposed to radiation
During a flight of about 7 hours, the body is exposed to a dose of cosmic radiation very similar to radiation from an X-ray. There are already applications that can measure the amount of radiation to which the person is exposed during the flight.
4. Taste changes
The conditions inside the airplane cabin, such as low pressure and dry air, cause changes in smell and taste, thus decreasing the perception of sweet and salty, which explains the unpleasant taste normally reported in relation to airplane food.
However, to combat the loss of these senses, some airlines already spice up their food more, to make meals more tasty.
5. The ear hurts
The pain in the ear when riding an airplane arises due to the pressure change that occurs when the airplane takes off or lands.
To avoid or reduce ear pain during flight, you can chew gum or some food, use a nasal spray to rebalance the internal pressure or yawn purposefully in order to move the bones and muscles of the face, favoring pressure regulation. Learn more tips to avoid earache on the plane.
6. The belly swells
During an airplane trip, the metabolism slows down because the person sits for a long time, and the change in pressure causes gases to circulate throughout the body, causing pain and swelling of the belly.
To reduce discomfort, the ideal is to try to walk the plane and eat little during the flight or even eat a lighter meal the day before the trip. Know which foods cause gas.
7. Oxygen in the blood decreases
When the plane reaches its maximum height, it makes the oxygen available in the air less, causing the blood to absorb less oxygen, which can cause dizziness, drowsiness and impair mental agility.
In young, healthy people, this decrease is not felt as much because the body compensates for this reduction in oxygen with an increase in heart rate, respiratory rate, and the amount of air inhaled. However, people with heart or lung disease should consult their doctor before taking a plane.
8. The risk of disease increases
As it is a closed, pressurized environment and receives people from all parts of the world who are closed in the same place for several hours, there is an increased risk of disease transmission, in which contagion occurs on the flight, but the symptoms only appear later.
To prevent contagion, you should avoid drinking water other than in a sealed container and wash your hands thoroughly during the flight and before eating.
Watch the following video and see how to improve comfort during your travels:
