Is it normal to feel unwell after flying?

Grounded and Grumpy: Why You Might Feel Unwell After Flying

Stepping off a plane after a long flight can sometimes feel like emerging from a slightly unpleasant dream. Instead of feeling refreshed and ready to explore your destination, you might be greeted with a headache, a scratchy throat, a bout of fatigue, or even a persistent stuffy nose. Is this normal? The short answer is yes, and there are several factors working against you in the thin air above.

While the excitement of travel often overshadows these potential pitfalls, understanding why you might feel unwell after flying can help you mitigate the effects and arrive feeling closer to your best.

One of the biggest culprits is the surprisingly arid environment inside the airplane cabin. Airline regulations require air to be circulated from outside the aircraft, at high altitudes where the air is exceptionally dry. This is then pressurized and pumped into the cabin, resulting in humidity levels often plummeting below a mere 20%. Compare this to the average home, which typically maintains a humidity level of 30-60%, and you begin to understand the impact this desert-like atmosphere can have on your body.

This extreme dryness essentially vacuums moisture from your mucous membranes, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Think of your nose, throat, and eyes – all areas reliant on moisture to function optimally. The lack of humidity dries them out, leaving you vulnerable to:

• Dehydration: Even if you drink regularly, the dry air actively pulls moisture from your body, increasing the risk of dehydration.
• Headaches: Dehydration can trigger headaches, adding to the general feeling of malaise.
• Sore Throat: A dry throat is a breeding ground for irritation and can even make you more susceptible to catching a bug.
• Dry Eyes: Anyone who wears contact lenses is especially vulnerable to dry, irritated eyes during and after a flight.
• Stuffy Nose: While seemingly contradictory, a dry nasal passage can actually lead to increased mucus production as your body tries to compensate, resulting in congestion.
• Fatigue: Fighting off dehydration and dealing with the discomfort of dry mucous membranes can contribute to overall fatigue and leave you feeling drained.

But the dry air isn’t the only factor at play. Pressurization changes in the cabin, altered sleep schedules, and even the stress of traveling can all contribute to that post-flight funk.

So, what can you do to combat these airborne ailments? Prevention is key. Focus on staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. Consider using a saline nasal spray to keep your nasal passages moist. Eye drops can provide relief for dry eyes, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine, both diuretics, will help you retain more fluid. Finally, try to get as much rest as possible, both on the plane and in the days surrounding your travel.

By understanding the challenges your body faces at 30,000 feet, you can take proactive steps to minimize discomfort and arrive at your destination feeling ready to enjoy the journey. Don’t let the dry air ground your good times – hydrate, moisturize, and arrive prepared.