Millions of people travel by flight every day, and while some have a smooth ride in the air, others experience discomfort.

There are several ways that air travel can negatively affect your body, and it’s essential to know how to minimize the impact. If you’re a frequent flyer or you’re planning to travel soon, here’s what happens to your body when you fly.

1. Dehydration

One of the primary issues associated with flying is dehydration. The air inside an airplane is typically dry since the humidity levels range from 10-15%, which is lower than the average humidity level of a desert.

Dehydration can lead to various problems like headaches, fatigue, irritability, dry eyes, and dry skin. When you fly, it’s essential to drink lots of water and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks.

2. Oxygen deprivation

At high altitudes, the air pressure is low, which means that there are fewer oxygen molecules per unit volume of air. Since your body needs oxygen to function correctly, flying at high altitudes can lead to hypoxia (oxygen deprivation).

This condition can lead to headaches, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and even loss of consciousness. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to breathe deeply and wear an oxygen mask if necessary.

3. Jet lag

Jet lag occurs when there’s a disruption to your body’s circadian rhythm, which is your body’s internal clock.

When you travel across time zones, your body clock gets confused, and you may experience symptoms like insomnia, fatigue, irritability, and digestive problems. To minimize the impact of jet lag, try to adjust your sleep schedule before travel, stay hydrated, and expose yourself to natural light.

4. Motion sickness

Motion sickness occurs when there’s a discrepancy between what your eyes see and what your inner ear senses. This discrepancy can lead to nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Flying, especially during turbulence, can trigger motion sickness.

To prevent motion sickness, it’s essential to avoid heavy meals, alcohol, and carbonated drinks before and during the flight. You can also take anti-motion sickness medications or use acupressure bands.

5. Swelling

Long-haul flights can cause swelling in various parts of your body, mainly your legs and feet.

The lack of movement and sitting in a cramped position for an extended period can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the legs. DVT can be life-threatening if the clot dislodges and travels to your lungs. To prevent swelling and DVT, it’s essential to move around the cabin regularly, stretch your legs and feet, wear compression stockings, and drink lots of water.

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6. Ear pain

During takeoff and landing, you may experience ear pain due to the changes in air pressure. The middle ear is connected to the back of the throat via a tube called the Eustachian tube.

When the air pressure outside the ear changes, the Eustachian tube helps to equalize the pressure inside the ear. However, if the pressure change is too sudden, it can affect the Eustachian tube’s ability to equalize the pressure, leading to ear pain. To prevent ear pain, you can chew gum, swallow frequently, or use earplugs.

7. Radiation exposure

When you fly at high altitudes, you’re exposed to cosmic radiation from space. While the exposure is minimal, frequent flyers, pilots, and cabin crew may be at risk for radiation exposure.

Radiation exposure can lead to cancer and other health problems. To minimize the risk of radiation exposure, it’s essential to fly during daylight hours when cosmic radiation is lower, avoid flying during solar flares, and limit your time in the air.

8. Infection

Being in an enclosed space with hundreds of people for an extended period can increase your risk of infection. The recycled air inside the airplane can spread germs and viruses, especially during cold and flu season.

To prevent infection, it’s essential to wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and pack a personal hand sanitizer.

9. Stress

Traveling, especially by air, can be stressful. Dealing with security lines, flight delays, and cancellations can lead to anxiety and stress.

Stress can affect your mental and physical health and lead to various problems like insomnia, headaches, and digestive problems. To minimize stress, it’s essential to plan ahead, arrive early, and practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing.

10. Dry skin

Finally, flying can lead to dry skin, especially on your face and hands. The dry air inside the cabin can rob your skin of moisture, leading to flakiness, redness, and irritation.

To prevent dry skin, it’s essential to apply a moisturizer before and during the flight, avoid harsh soaps and hot water, and breathe through your nose instead of your mouth.

Conclusion

Flying can affect your body in various ways, from dehydration and oxygen deprivation to jet lag and motion sickness.

It’s essential to know how to mitigate the impact of air travel on your body by staying hydrated, moving around the cabin, and wearing compression stockings. By being mindful of these potential issues, you can enjoy a more comfortable and healthier flight.