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Flying Sick? Your Body on a Plane
3 Aug
Summary
- Cabin pressure and low oxygen levels stress the body's systems.
- Dehydration is common due to low humidity, increasing blood thickness.
- Gastrointestinal issues like 'jet belly' can sometimes cause diversions.
Air travel, despite its safety, poses unique physiological challenges for passengers. The pressurized cabin, maintained at an equivalent of 8,000 feet above sea level, significantly impacts bodily systems. Oxygen levels drop to about 15%, prompting increased breathing and heart rate, which can be dangerous for individuals with cardiopulmonary diseases.
Low cabin humidity contributes to fluid loss, with passengers potentially losing up to 360ml per hour. This dehydration thickens blood, forcing the heart to work harder and increasing the risk of conditions like deep vein thrombosis.
Fainting is another frequent occurrence, often due to postural hypotension exacerbated by dehydration and alcohol. Changes in taste sensitivity at altitude can lead to higher salt content in food, further contributing to dehydration.
Gastrointestinal distress, including 'jet belly,' can arise as gases expand in the gut. While usually harmless, severe cases have led to flight diversions.
Cardiac emergencies, though rare, have poorer outcomes mid-air due to limited medical resources. To mitigate risks, passengers are advised to stay hydrated, move regularly, limit alcohol, and manage medications diligently.
