Dry skin and DVT: This is what flying does to your physique, according to doctors

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Doctors have revealed what long-haul flights do to your physique.

There’s a cause why whenever you get off a protracted flight, you don’t precisely really feel 100%. Beyond grogginess and jet lag, spending hours in a small cabin at 35,000ft, probably with out a lot room, can take a toll on your physique in some ways.

“Sitting for eight hours or more can have serious adverse effects on your health, such as heart and respiratory health, as well as your muscles and joints,” says GP Dr Gill Jenkins.

Here’s how totally different elements of our our bodies are affected…

What flying does to your coronary heart

“Flying long haul can affect breathing, causing shortness of breath and sometimes chest discomfort. People at highest risk of heart issues on a plane are those who already have cardiovascular disease,” says Jenkins, who is an advisor to Deep Heat, Deep Freeze and Deep Relief.

If you’ve gotten any coronary heart points, at all times examine with your physician if it’s okay for you to fly (and pack any medicine wanted in your hand baggage).

“Dehydration, changing cabin air pressure and low oxygen concentration – modern aircraft are pressurised to an equivalent altitude of 6000-8000ft, so you are actually breathing in less oxygen”, can all play a component. On high of that, “sitting in a confined space limits chest movements so you don’t breathe as deeply, and increased stress [from flying] can all increase the risk of heart problems”, provides Jenkins.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots are a selected danger for these with out coronary heart illness too, for all the identical causes.

“Blood clots can occur for up to one month after flying, so be alert to symptoms such as swollen or painful legs, especially the calf, and breathing difficulties (clots can occur on the lungs too),” Jenkins says.

To cut back danger, hold nicely hydrated and don’t drink alcohol throughout your flight, and stretch and transfer round as a lot as attainable.

What flying does to your abdomen

A change in humidity may also trigger havoc on your abdomen.

“Aeroplane cabins have low humidity levels, which can cause dehydration and lead to digestive issues such as constipation and discomfort,” says Dr Simon Theobalds, GP at Pall Mall Medical.

“The change in cabin pressure can also cause gas expansion in the stomach, leading to bloating or discomfort. Prolonged sitting during long flights can contribute to sluggish digestion and constipation.”

The disruptions to your circadian rhythm (physique clock) from crossing a number of time zones can have an effect on your digestive system too, main to irregular bowel actions and urge for food adjustments, he provides. Not to point out that the time zone adjustments disrupt meal patterns, additionally “potentially leading to indigestion or stomach discomfort”.

Theobalds recommends staying hydrated and selecting mild meals, whereas additionally shifting across the cabin loads.

What flying does to your mind

As the physique tries to modify to totally different time zones, jet lag can wreak havoc too.

“Changes in sleep patterns caused by time zone differences can affect the quality and quantity of sleep, which can have an impact on cognitive functions and mood,” explains Theobalds. “Low humidity levels can also lead to headaches, dizziness, and cognitive impairment.

“The lower oxygen levels in an airplane cabin may also impact cognitive performance, resulting in symptoms like forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating,” he provides. “For long flights, especially for anxious flyers, stress and anxiety can be triggered, which can affect cognitive functions and overall wellbeing.”

The noise, restricted house and crowded situations can contribute to stress and discomfort as nicely, “which can influence cognitive performance”.

While these items are normally momentary and reversible, people with pre-existing situations or vulnerabilities could expertise extra pronounced results, he says. “It’s crucial to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy sleep schedule.”

What flying does to your eyes, nostril and mouth

These areas can all change into very dry on a long-haul flight, due to adjustments in cabin strain, altitude and air high quality, says Jenkins.

“The circulating air inside an aircraft is very dry, and dehydration from not drinking enough can really exacerbate dry eyes, nose and mouth (and skin and ears).

“Affecting the nasal passages, sinus pain is common on long haul flights, particularly if you already have a cold or other respiratory tract issue, which affect the way the sinuses and nasal passages can equalise pressures following changing cabin pressure – resulting in pain across the eyes, forehead and cheek bones, especially on descent.”

The trick is to get any long-term sinus points handled earlier than flying, however chewing gum, sipping water or yawning earlier than take-off and touchdown, could assist.

“Low humidity can increase tear evaporation and exacerbate dry eye symptoms such as pain, red eye, blurriness, itching, and watery eyes,” she provides. “Because of the dry conditions in the plane cabin, your mouth can also dry out very quickly, causing bacteria to grow on your tongue and bad breath.”

Chewing gum helps stimulate saliva manufacturing and relieve a dry mouth, and after all, staying nicely hydrated.

What flying does to your skin

Low humidity may also trigger your skin to really feel dry and tight. “This can lead to flakiness and worsen skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis,” says Theobalds. “The recirculated air in aeroplanes can be dry and stale, potentially clogging pores and making your skin look dull. This can be especially problematic for those with acne-prone skin.”

Sitting for prolonged durations can cut back blood circulation, he provides, main to puffiness across the eyes, contributing to darkish circles and usually trying drained.

“At higher altitudes, your exposure to UV rays increases. Although aeroplane windows block most UVB rays, UVA rays can still penetrate, potentially causing skin damage over time,” he says. To fight all this, moisturise your skin, keep away from heavy make-up, and use a good-quality SPF.

What flying foes to your limbs and muscle mass

“Sitting down for several hours on a long-haul flight without much movement may cause muscles to stiffen and could result in joint and back problems and stiffness,” says Jenkins. “During the flight, attempt to stand up, transfer about and stretch as soon as an hour. Once you’ve gotten landed, it’s actually essential to get your physique shifting as quickly as you may.