Traveling at an altitude of 30,000 feet (approximately 9 to 10 km) is not a normal human condition, so the appearance of multiple side effects during flight is entirely expected, according to health experts.
According to Professor Adam Taylor, a clinical anatomy expert at Lancaster University, the main reason for these effects is the "cabin pressure" which differs from the pressure at ground level, leading to lower oxygen levels, which particularly affects air-containing systems, such as the digestive and respiratory systems, especially among passengers with chronic illnesses
Low humidity inside the aircraft cabin also plays an important role in the body's response to this major environmental change.
Fainting accounts for about one-third of all medical emergencies that occur on airplanes, according to Professor Taylor.
General practitioner Dr. Roger Henderson explained that low oxygen levels, along with dehydration and prolonged sitting, can cause unusual fatigue, and in some cases, blood pressure may drop temporarily, especially in people who are dehydrated or anxious, or when standing up suddenly after a long period of sitting, which can lead to dizziness or even fainting in severe cases.
The doctor advises drinking sufficient amounts of water before and during the trip, and avoiding alcohol, stressing that most of these symptoms are temporary and disappear after landing, and that some simple measures may make the trip more comfortable.
Dr. Henderson points out that the feeling many people have that food loses its taste on an airplane is not just an illusion, but a natural result of the dry air inside the cabin, which reduces the moisture in the nose and mouth, affecting the functioning of the taste buds and sense of smell necessary to enjoy flavors.
Sweet and salty flavors are particularly affected, while salty flavors and umami (sweet or palatable taste) remain less affected
Dr. Megan Rossi explains that the feeling of bloating during flights has a scientific explanation, as the decrease in air pressure inside the cabin as the plane ascends causes the air in the intestines to expand, the same phenomenon that makes water bottles and potato chip bags swell after takeoff.
To avoid this, Rossi advises avoiding large meals on the day of travel, dividing food into five or six small meals, drinking enough water, chewing slowly, and avoiding heavy and fatty foods.
Ear pain, pressure, and ringing are common symptoms during takeoff and landing, resulting from rapid changes in altitude.
Dr. Henderson explained that the Eustachian tube normally helps to balance the pressure between the middle ear and the external environment, but it may not adapt quickly enough, especially in people with colds, allergies, or sinus congestion, causing discomfort, hearing loss, or pain.
To alleviate these symptoms, it is recommended to swallow, yawn, or suck on a candy bar during the change in altitude.
Because the humidity inside the airplane cabin drops to less than 20%, which is much lower than most indoor environments, the skin, lips, and eyes lose moisture quickly, leading to dryness and irritation.
Dr. Henderson advises drinking plenty of water, using a moisturizer before and after the trip, and reducing alcohol consumption to limit these effects.
Swollen ankles are a common physical effect of air travel. Dr. Asma Hanif, a general practitioner at the British National Health Service, explains that sitting for long periods reduces blood flow to the legs, leading to fluid retention and swelling.
To prevent this, regular movement during the trip is recommended, moving the feet and rotating the ankles from time to time.
Hanif warned that swelling in only one leg, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath or chest pain, requires urgent medical intervention, as it may indicate a blood clot.
