Vomiting or diarrhea on a plane can be embarrassing, but it’s important to let the crew know if you have a health problem.
“If you have any of these symptoms, please first notify a flight attendant and seek medical attention if necessary,” Chin said. “You should be able to replenish water or other fluids, especially if you’re dehydrated. Many airlines also carry over-the-counter medications to help you feel better.”
In extreme situations, a toilet may be designated for crew members to use for an extended period of time, but they are not allowed to remain there during takeoff and landing.
If you feel dizzy and your symptoms are getting worse, please let a flight attendant know. The more information the crew has, the easier it will be to properly assist you if you lose consciousness.
“Flight attendants are incredibly well trained,” Chandler said. “If you have a chronic illness, for example diabetes and are at risk for hypoglycemia, wear a medical ID bracelet so people can read your bracelet and give you sugar or check your blood sugar. I see what I need to do.”
He also recommended traveling with a list of any medical conditions, allergies, and medications you take.
7. Be careful of blood clots.
“Another important issue to be aware of, especially on long-haul flights, is blood clots, especially for people with a history of blood clots,” Chin said. “The best defense against blood clots is to move your legs occasionally. Swelling or pain in one leg can be a sign of blood clot formation.”
Prolonged immobility increases the chance of blood clots forming, and situations such as pregnancy can further increase the risk. If you have a history of blood clots, Qing suggests walking along the aisle every few hours to prevent new blood clots from forming.
You can also ask the flight attendant for permission to move as long as it is safe to do so. compression socks Please help me too.
“Typically, if you get a blood clot on a plane, it happens after you land. But these days, some flights can last up to 20 hours,” Chandler said. “Try to walk every 30 to 60 minutes. And if you notice that one leg is more swollen than the other, be sure to let the flight attendant know.”
8. If possible, avoid flying if you are sick.
Illnesses can sometimes develop unexpectedly during air travel, but there are times when you should be careful.
“Avoid flying if you’re hungover or abstaining from alcohol,” de Latour said. “To avoid infecting others, avoid traveling while sick. If you have an unstable underlying health condition, don’t fly.”
If you have any questions, please consult your health care professional before you travel.
“If you have certain lung conditions that require oxygen, changes in air pressure can make your condition worse,” Chin says. “If you are using oxygen, we recommend discussing your plan with your doctor.”
Also, be aware of time zone changes when traveling long distances.
“It’s very easy to forget to take your medication because your phone can switch to local time while your body is in its original time,” Chandler says. “Make sure to continue taking your regular medications to prevent your chronic illness from worsening.”
Do your best to have a contingency plan in place, even if it means postponing your trip or taking precautions like wearing diapers, Chandler added.
“It may sound complicated, but planning ahead can prevent a scary situation,” says Chin. “If you have any questions, please feel free to ask your doctor before heading out. That’s why we’re here.”
This article was first published HuffPost.
