Air travel is sometimes synonymous with inconveniences, even serious complications and may, in some cases, be contraindicated. The risks will be reduced if you prepare for your trip and take a few precautions during the flight.

HOW TO AVOID EAR PAIN?

The air pressure in the cabin varies when the plane takes off or lands, causing pain or trauma to the ears. The descent is often more painful than takeoff. To reduce this pain, you should chew (take a piece of gum), swallow (suck on a candy) or yawn with your mouth closed by moving your jaw forward. If necessary, perform the Valsalva maneuver, which consists of blowing while pinching your nose and closing your mouth.

An ENT pathology (otitis, sinusitis, cold, dental pathology, etc.) is likely to increase the risk of trauma to the ears and requires that you consult a doctor.

If you are traveling with an infant, you can feed them or give them a pacifier so they can swallow.

HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF PHLEBITIS?

Prolonged immobility can cause a blood clot to form in a deep vein (called deep vein thrombosis). The risk increases with the length of the trip and if you take many flights in a short period of time. Generally, this clot does not cause any symptoms. However, it is sometimes associated with swelling or pain in the leg. More rarely, it detaches from the vein and obstructs the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. The embolism results in chest pain, difficulty breathing and can occur in the days following the plane trip. It is a medical emergency.

To reduce the risk of phlebitis:

• Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
• Avoid belts and tight shoes. Do not hesitate to take off your shoes.
• Do not cross your legs.
• Make sure that your hand luggage does not hinder the movement of your feet and legs.
• Avoid staying still for too long. Get up every two or three hours to walk around, or work your foot, calf and thigh muscles with small exercises (contraction and massage of the muscles, movement of the feet). Do not take sleeping pills.
• Hydrate regularly. Avoid diuretic drinks such as tea or coffee. Drink water preferably.

If you have a risk factor, talk to your doctor. He may recommend that you wear compression stockings for trips of more than six hours.

Be particularly vigilant if you have risk factors: history of thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, family predisposition, age over 40, taking estrogen (contraceptive pill, hormone replacement therapy), pregnancy, recent surgery or trauma, cancer, coagulation abnormality, smoking, obesity, presence of varicose veins. If you have at least one of these risk factors and plan to travel for more than three hours, consult a doctor. He or she may prescribe socks or support stockings, or appropriate medication.

DO I NEED TO TAKE OTHER PRECAUTIONS DURING THE TRIP?

When the plane gains altitude, the decrease in air pressure in the cabin causes the gas in your stomach to expand and unpleasant intestinal bloating. Avoid fizzy drinks and foods that produce gas (dried vegetables, milk, cabbage).
The air conditioning in the cabin is very dry, which can sometimes dry out the skin or cause discomfort in the eyes, mouth or nose. It is preferable to wear glasses instead of contact lenses. You can also moisten your lenses and nose with saline solution, and apply a moisturizing cream to your skin and lips.
If you are prone to motion sickness, choose a seat in the center of the aircraft and avoid drinking alcohol on the plane and the day before your trip. Your doctor can also prescribe treatment for motion sickness.

WHAT ARE THE CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR TRAVELING BY PLANE?

Certain chronic illnesses may require special care during the journey: insulin-dependent diabetes, asthma, allergies, epilepsy, blood disorders including sickle cell anemia, heart, respiratory or kidney failure, cancer. If you are affected, it is imperative to consult a doctor before your departure.

You will likely need to delay your trip if you have recently had surgery or medical trauma (head trauma, heart attack, stroke), or if you have given birth within the last week. Wait 12 hours after scuba diving. Air travel is contraindicated in cases of severe anemia or severe respiratory failure, and many airlines will not let you travel at the end of pregnancy (beyond the 36th week for a single pregnancy and the 32nd week for a multiple pregnancy).
If you suffer from phobic disorders (agoraphobia, claustrophobia, fear of flying, etc.) likely to make you panic during your trip, talk to your doctor. He or she may prescribe occasional anxiolytic treatment, or possibly psychotherapeutic care. Some airlines organize sessions to learn how to manage your fear of flying.