Traveling by plane is popular these days. It offers many benefits and comforts we can’t get from another form of transportation. More importantly, it is safe. However, the flight may take a few hours, especially when you travel to faraway places. During that flight, there might be a situation that affects your health condition.
To help you deal with these in-flight medical events, you need to learn how to recognize them. Therefore, you understand the time to request for assistance. The cabin attendant always has first aid and a certain degree of treatment to deal with that condition. You don’t need to worry. Here are some of the common in-flight medical events that could happen to anyone. We divide them into a group of certain conditions that can cause those medical events.
Hypoxia
This condition occurs a lot during the flight. When that condition occurs, the oxygen level within the body drops below regular levels. It happens because of low air density when a plane reaches to certain height.
Normally, when a plane reaches 30,000 feet, the air inside the plane is bearable. It will adjust the pressure level. It becomes more comfortable. However, it is still 15% lower oxygen level than on the surface. That condition will be no problem for healthy people. As for people with health problems, like asthma, anemia, or heart disease, it can cause certain medical situations.
The common in-flight medical condition that can happen because of hypoxia is:
- Coughing,
- Change in skin color,
- Abnormal breathing.
If you notice those symptoms, ask the cabin attendant for help. Or, if you see someone else have those symptoms, do the same. You can help them recover.
Barometric Pressure Changes
The pressure changes will always happen during the flight. When the plane ascent, it will decrease the air pressure. Conversely, the pressure increases when it descends. And, the change of this pressure can cause several medical conditions in the human body. In most cases, it is related to the gas within the body.
We can divide the condition into two categories, which are:
Trapped Gasses
Many parts inside our body have trapped gas. For example, your middle ear, stomach, and of course, the lungs are a few of them. The pressure inside the cabin can affect these trapped gasses. Thus, it causes several medical conditions, such as:
- Ear pain,
- Sinus pain,
- Tooth pain,
- Chest tightness,
- Abdominal discomfort.
Evolved Gasses
This one is the type of gas that dissolves in body parts. Blood, fats, and cerebrospinal fluids are a few of them. The condition occurs when the nitrogen within the gas is affected by the pressure inside the plane cabin. Here are some medical conditions that can happen:
- Joint pain,
- Chest discomfort,
- Neurological symptoms.
Low Humidity
The humidity level inside the plane cabin is lower than the surface. On the surface, the normal humidity level is around 30%. However, during the flight, the humidity level inside the plane can fall below 20%. Thus, it can cause several medical conditions, such as:
- Dry skin,
- Discomfort in the eyes,
- Dry mouth and lips,
- Discomfort in the nose.
There is a study about how low humidity levels in planes cause dehydration. It hasn’t been approved by the scientific community. You don’t need to worry. Also, try to avoid beverages with alcohol. Caffeine is also no good. They have diuretic effects. That means you will go to the bathroom a lot when drink them.
Air Sickness
We believe you are familiar with this term. It is also one of the common medical events that can happen during your flight. It is only the way your body is unable to adapt to the change of the atmosphere and condition during the flight. Taking medication before a flight can solve it. Or, you can sleep during the flight.
Decreased Mobility
It happens a lot when you take an economy-class flight. The legroom is not as big as the first or business class. Therefore, it is hard to move your body and legs around, which causes several conditions, such as:
- Cramp,
- Inflammation on legs and/or feet,
- Aneurysm,
- Thrombosis.
Visiting the Hospital
Those conditions could be treated with simple treatment within the plane. As for those who have health conditions, those in-flight medical events could lead to more severe symptoms. Thus, you should visit BIMC Nusa Dua, when you experience them during your flight to Bali.
BIMC Nusa Dua is a reliable and trusted hospital for you. They are experienced and have the best team of doctors and staff. They use the latest medical equipment. Moreover, this hospital has top-quality facilities.
Do not hesitate to get BIMC Nusa Dua assistance. Book the health service and treatment that you need when you arrive in Bali. Get yourself better. Then, you can enjoy your trip on this beautiful island.
