The Effects of International Air Travel on Our Bodies

International air travel is perhaps the most efficient way to cross oceans and hop continents, yet the luxury comes with certain physical costs. Most passengers make it through a long flight with only minimal physical annoyances, but it's important to be informed about other possible effects on our bodies. Passengers with health conditions should be especially aware of the potential consequences of long flights.

Oxygen Levels

Although aircraft cabins provide adequate amounts of oxygen for the passengers and crew members, low cabin air pressure leads to a lower level of oxygen carried in the bloodstream. Passengers with particular medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease, or blood disorders like anemia, may not be able to tolerate this lower oxygen level, also known as hypoxia. These passengers should seek both medical advice and arrangements for additional oxygen supplies throughout the flight.

Immobility and DVT

Long periods of immobility can lead to blood pooling in the legs, which can cause stiffness and swelling. Prolonged periods of immobility, such as the limited movement experienced on international flights, is linked to the possibility of blood clot development in a deep vein, also known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT. Developing DVT during travel is unlikely unless certain risk factors are present, such as a history of DVT or pulmonary embolism, pregnancy, cancer, use of birth control or hormone replacement therapies, recent surgery to the abdominal, pelvic or leg areas, and more. If you at a higher risk for developing DVT during long air flights, seek medical advice prior to your trip.

Ear Problems

Air travel means rapid changes in air pressure. This can lead to ears feeling blocked, which muffles sounds and can become painful. To rectify this, the Eustachian tube -- the passageway between the back of the nose and the middle ear -- must be opened frequently to adapt to the changes in pressure. These ear problems most often happen when planes are landing or taking off, which is when the greatest altitude change and air pressure difference occurs. Chewing gum or using mints helps equalize the Eustachian tube.

Skin Irritation

Because humidity in aircraft cabins is generally low, international travel can lead to dry skin or discomfort in the eyes, mouth or nose. Normal homes have a humidity rate of 30% whereas aircraft cabins are less than 20%, yet it's important to note that this lower humidity rate does not lead to dehydration. Drinking extra water is not necessary, but applying moisturizer, using nasal sprays or wearing glasses instead of contact lenses can help avoid the potential discomfort.

Jet Lag

One of the more annoying effects of long flights across the world, jet lag is simply what happens when the body's natural 24 hour cycle -- the circadian rhythm -- is interrupted. This occurs by crossing several time zones, and can lead to various health effects: changed bowel patterns, daytime sleepiness, problems sleeping at night, and reduced physical or mental performance. As the body adjusts to the routine of the new location, the symptoms of jet lag will disappear. People who use strict medical schedules -- insulin dependent passengers, for example -- must seek medical advice prior to a journey involving large time changes.