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Read this guide on the in-flight health risks when flying from Belfast Airport - ideal if you are an anxious passengers worried about any in-flight health issues. |
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The majoring of people flying from Belfast Airport don't have any in-flight health problems. In actual fact very few passengers ever suffer any in-flight health risks from Belfast Airport travel.
However, a few passengers might suffer from
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), motion sickness or jet lag.
This guide therefore gives you unofficial information on the symptoms, the preventions and cures.
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In-flight Health Risks When Flying ... |
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It's usually those passengers who are flying and are actually already of ill-health, or have recently been ill, that suffer any in-flight health risks when flying. Most healthy passengers travel without any problems.
The following guide does give details however on the most common in-flight health risks experienced when flying. |
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Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT ... |
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| What's DVT? |
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| DVT is the situation where the blood clots within one of the deep veins of the thigh, calf or pelvis. Usually this is because the blood flow has become slow and sluggish. What doesn't help by being on a plane is that the seating conditions are small and often cramped, with the passengers not being able to exercise or move fully. This can be because the blood has become dehydrated or from trauma such as heart disease, abdominal surgery or childbirth. |
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| Who's at risk from DVT? |
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- People over 40
- A past or family history DVT
- Recent surgeries, especially abdominal or leg surgery, or injury to the knees or hips
- Pregnancy or recently having had a baby
- Cancer, in particular some cancer treatments
- Circulation and heart problems
- Obesity
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| How To Avoid DVT? |
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- Drink water to keep hydrated throughout the flight and avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks
- Wear loose clothing
- Exercise and stretch out the muscles of your lower legs whist sitting
- Don't place anything under the seat in front of you so you can move more easily
- Walk about the air cabin every couple of hours
- Wear graduated compression stockings - known as ‘flight socks’ – especially if you're in a high-risk category
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| DVT symptoms |
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DVT can be uncomfortable, although it's not the primary concern.
What is, is the
sequel to DVT, where a piece of the blood clot, called a pulmonary embolus, breaks off and travels to the right side of the heart, causing heart problems or even heart attack.
Sometimes there are no symptoms, however some people may suffer some of the following symptoms: |
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- Aching or soreness 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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| DO I have DVT? |
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If you suspect you may have DVT arrange to see a doctor as soon as possible. If away then call your holiday rep, airline or get to a local hospital.
In most cases
treatment is relatively simple. |
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Non-serious Cabin Pressure... |
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As aircraft cabins are pressurized differently at altitude than we are use to at ground level there's slightly less oxygen in the circulating air, plus the air is much dryer.
These effects can cause some of the following symptoms: |
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- If your ears hurt during take-off or landing try swallowing often, chewing gum or sucking a sweet
- Avoid alcohol - remember it has 2 to 3 times the effect of a drink at sea level
- Dehydration is a problem on longer flights, drink water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine drinks
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Common Motion Sickness... |
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Common motion sickness, whilst unpleasant, is harmless enough.
Try some of the following tips: |
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- Ask for a window seat
- Request a seat over the wings
- Don't drink alcohol 24 hours before flight
- Keep your seat belt fastened throughout your journey
- Natural remedies can help for motion sickness:
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- Vitamin B6 helps alleviate dizziness
- Magnesium is known to reduce stomach acidity and stress
- Peppermint is proven to prevent vomiting plus it has antispasmodic properties
- Ginkgo Bilboa is helpful for chronic dizziness and light-headedness
- Ginger extract is very good for preventing nausea
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- Consult your doctor about motion sickness if necessary.
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| Taking your correct medication when you are flying is very important. If you are travelling whilst taking medication read the following advice as any medical emergency in the air is much more serious than if at ground level. |
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- Carry all medication in your hand luggage - take enough medicines to last for delays too
- Sufferers of diabetes or epilepsy must carry a notification and identification card on their person
- It's worth informing the airline of any medical problems in advance of travel
- Make sure you've had the correct vaccinations for where you're flying to
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Jet lag symptoms vary per traveller, however normally it's just a case of very bad fatigue as the body is not in keeping the destination time.
It's also worse when more than one time zones has been travelled through, and also travelling east seems to be more problematic.
Here are some tips on avoiding jet lag, or make symptoms slightly more bearable: |
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- Move meals and sleep times 1 - 2 hours closer to your destination time
- Reset all your watches and clocks to the new time once you've taken off
- Eat small meals and drink lots of water
- Caffeine drinks can help mask fatigue during the days after flying.
- Try some of the herbal sleeping pills if you are having difficulty sleeping
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