According to medical professionals, flying has physical effects on your body.

Medical professionals have disclosed the effects of extended air travel on the human body.

After a lengthy flight, it’s common to not feel completely refreshed. Aside from feeling tired and out of sync due to time differences, being confined in a cramped airplane at a high altitude of 35,000 feet can have various negative effects on your physical well-being.

According to Dr. Gill Jenkins, a general practitioner, sitting for extended periods of time can greatly impact your health, leading to potential issues with your heart, lungs, muscles, and joints.

This is how various body parts are impacted…

According to Jenkins, who is a consultant for Deep Heat, Deep Freeze, and Deep Relief, traveling long distances by plane can impact one’s breathing and potentially lead to symptoms like difficulty breathing and chest pain. Those with preexisting cardiovascular disease are at the greatest risk for experiencing heart problems during a flight.

Before flying, be sure to consult your doctor if you have any heart problems. Also, remember to bring any necessary medication in your carry-on bag.

The combination of dehydration, fluctuating cabin air pressure, and low oxygen levels in modern aircraft can contribute to health issues. This is because airplanes are pressurized to an altitude equivalent to 6000-8000ft, resulting in decreased oxygen intake. Additionally, being confined to a small space during a flight limits chest movements and can lead to shallow breathing. The added stress of flying can also increase the likelihood of heart problems, according to Jenkins.

People without heart disease are also at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots for the same reasons.

According to Jenkins, blood clots may happen within a month after flying. It is important to stay vigilant for any signs of swollen or painful legs, particularly in the calf area, as well as breathing problems (as clots can also form in the lungs).

To minimize the chance of risk, make sure to stay hydrated and avoid consuming alcohol while flying. Additionally, take breaks and move your body frequently.

Fluctuations in moisture levels can also disrupt your digestive system.

According to Dr. Simon Theobalds, a GP at Pall Mall Medical, the low humidity levels in airplane cabins can result in dehydration and contribute to digestive problems like constipation and discomfort.

The fluctuation of air pressure in the cabin can result in the stomach becoming bloated or uncomfortable due to gas expansion. Remaining seated for extended periods on long flights can also slow down digestion and cause constipation.

Traveling across different time zones can cause disturbances to your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm. This can also have an impact on your digestive system, resulting in changes in bowel movements and appetite. Additionally, the changes in time zones can disrupt regular meal times, which may contribute to issues like indigestion or stomach discomfort.

Theobalds suggests drinking plenty of fluids and opting for lighter meals, as well as staying active during the flight.

Jet lag can cause disruptions as the body attempts to adapt to varying time zones.

According to Theobalds, alterations in sleep schedules due to time zone variations can influence the amount and quality of sleep, potentially affecting cognitive abilities and mood. Additionally, reduced humidity levels may result in symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and impaired cognitive function.

Decreased oxygen levels in the confined space of an airplane can also have an effect on cognitive abilities, potentially causing forgetfulness and trouble focusing. This can be especially problematic for those on longer flights, particularly for those who experience anxiety, as it can lead to increased stress and negatively impact both cognitive function and overall health.

The combination of noise, lack of space, and crowdedness can also lead to feelings of stress and unease, which in turn may affect one’s cognitive abilities.

According to the speaker, although these occurrences are typically short-term and can be undone, those with pre-existing health concerns or susceptibilities may encounter stronger impacts. Therefore, it is important to stay hydrated and prioritize a consistent sleep routine.

According to Jenkins, these regions can become extremely arid during a lengthy airplane journey due to alterations in cabin pressure, elevation, and air purity.

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The air circulating inside an airplane is extremely arid, and not drinking enough water can worsen dryness in the eyes, nose, mouth, skin, and ears.

Sinus pain is a common occurrence on long flights, specifically if you are already dealing with a cold or other respiratory issue. This is due to the changes in cabin pressure, which can affect the equalization of pressure in the sinuses and nasal passages. As a result, you may experience pain around the eyes, forehead, and cheekbones, especially during descent.

It is important to address any chronic sinus problems before flying, but methods such as chewing gum, drinking water, or yawning before and after take-off can be beneficial.

Reduced humidity can lead to more tear evaporation and worsen symptoms of dry eye, including discomfort, redness, vision changes, itching, and excessive tearing. Additionally, the lack of moisture in the airplane can cause dryness in the mouth, allowing bacteria to thrive on the tongue and causing halitosis.

Chewing gum can increase saliva production and alleviate a parched mouth, in addition to staying properly hydrated.

Dry air can result in dry and tight skin, which may contribute to flakiness and aggravate skin issues like eczema or psoriasis, according to Theobalds. The recycled air on airplanes can also be dry and stagnant, possibly blocking pores and causing dull skin, which can be particularly troublesome for those with acne-prone skin.

Extended periods of sitting can cause decreased blood flow, resulting in swelling around the eyes, which can contribute to the appearance of dark circles and a tired appearance.

“When at higher elevations, there is a higher risk of UV ray exposure. While airplane windows can block most UVB rays, UVA rays can still pass through and lead to skin damage over time,” he advises. To protect against this, it is recommended to moisturize the skin, avoid heavy makeup, and use a high-quality SPF.

According to Jenkins, remaining seated for extended periods during a lengthy flight can lead to muscle stiffness and potential issues with joints and back pain. To combat this, aim to stand up, walk around, and stretch every hour during the flight. It is crucial to begin moving your body as soon as possible after landing.

Source: independent.co.uk