6 Tips when traveling in an airplane

Air travel, especially intercontinental travel is long and arduous. To better support and thus begin your journey as pleasantly as possible, here are some tips:

Problems related to barometric pressure

The air pressure in the air corresponds to a pressure of 1500 to 2000 m. It promotes intestinal bloating which will be limited by avoiding soft drinks (including champagne!) And gas producing foods: legumes, milk, cabbage. Do not worry, they are generally excluded from meal trays that will offer you during the trip.

Hearing

Pressure changes during landing can cause damage to the ear called otitis baro-trauma . During the descent it is advisable to swallow frequently to balance the pressure between the middle ear and the environment. For this, sucking candy or chew gum makes schwing things, especially for children. Caution: Be more vigilant in case of "cold" because the congestion of the mucous membranes promotes the development of otitis baro-trauma by preventing the flow of air through the Eustachian tube (tube connecting the inner ear to the groove and allowing pressure equalization).

Airsickness

For people sensitive to motion sickness, evil air resulting in headache, nausea, sweating, and dizziness. To reduce it, you must choose a place in the center of the unit. Also avoid heavy meals and alcohol absorption. You can also take preventive treatment (prescription drugs and respecting the cons-indications).


The "economy class syndrome"

The "economy class syndrome" is the risk due to immobility during long trips: it results in the formation of a blood clot in a vein (usually in the leg), which mouth this vein (venous thrombosis) or migrates to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), complications that occur during the trip or after a few days. It is more common in people who have a history of venous disease (varicose veins, phlebitis) or heart disease, the elderly and pregnant women. To mitigate this risk, you must:

• move as much as possible: short walks, push-ups ankles,
• avoid crossing your legs and wear loose clothing (avoid sheaths and belts too tight).
• drink plenty of water (1 litre/4h)
• avoid alcoholic beverages, tobacco and sleeping pills.

For people with a history of venous or high risk, preventive treatment may be helpful (aspirin in small doses, venotonic treatment, injection of low molecular weight heparin) to discuss with your doctor.