Is flying dangerous to your health?

It used to be that when you traveled by air, your biggest concern was either the weather or making it to your connecting flights. Not anymore. The terrifying assaults carried by four hijacked passenger jets in the United States last September 11 have revealed a previously unimaginable risk potential.

In spite of the much tighter security measures which have been adopted by airlines and airports around the world, air travelers continue to be concerned about the safety of flying. The World Tourism Organization said recently that the disaster had struck "a terrible blow" to the industry, with travelers worldwide canceling or postponing trips in large numbers.

But, of course, there are people who truly suffer from a fear of flying (aviaphobia). And there are certain air travelers who may actually face real health risks. And if you are sick, you could have a lot more to worry about.

Your best defense against the health hazards of air travel is to know what they are. Some of these risks are very real, especially for long-haul flyers. Most, however, could be avoided with appropriate preventive measures. And some are very minor, with only short-term minimal health effects. If you have a medical condition, especially one that involves your heart or lungs, check with your doctor before you fly. Here’s what else you should know.

Should You Fly?

Here’s a look at some potential problems and what to do about them.

• Pregnancy. Women are usually advised not to fly five to six weeks before their due date.

• Surgery. Because gases inside your body expand at reduced cabin pressures, consider postponing your trip if you’ve had recent abdominal, central nervous system, eye or chest surgery. Talk to your doctor.

• Ear pain. Particularly during descent, air in the ear contracts, and intense pain can result due to unequal pressure between the middle and outside ear. Flying with a cold or upper respiratory tract infection is the usual cause of the swelling or congestion that blocks normal venting of air in the middle ear. Avoid flying with a cold if possible. If you must fly, take an antihistamine several hours before the flight. Check with your doctor about whether to take an antihistamine combined with a decongestant. A nasal spray containing a vasoconstrictor is advised, but only after checking with your doctor. Spraying 30 minutes before descent may prevent ear blocks. Chewing gum, drinking liquids, yawning and repeated swallowing help keep ear tubes open. Try not to sleep during descent. You need to be awake to clear your ears.

• Recent heart attack. Most experts advise against air travel for at least three weeks after a heart attack, even if you have no complications. Ask your doctor.

• Broken bones. A rigid cast can cause problems as expanded air gets trapped between the cast and your skin or as your limb swells. Make sure the cast is either removable or loose enough to allow expansion. Keep your limb elevated as much as possible to prevent blood clot formation.

• Scuba diving. OK, it’s not a medical condition. But wait at least 12 to 24 hours after a dive to fly. Pressure changes can give you the bends.

• Diabetes. Plan ahead, especially if you require insulin and you’re crossing time zones. Carry your medications and medical supplies with you. Request special meals in advance. Have a letter from your doctor detailing your diagnosis and medication dosages.

• Medications and glasses. Always keep your medications in your carry-on bag. And if you wear glasses, carry a spare with you.

• Asthma and chest diseases. Well-controlled asthma should be no bar to flying. Be sure to bring with you your inhalers and avoid anything that may trigger an attack. If you are wheezing before your flight, seek medical treatment and advice from your doctor if you can travel. Other chest conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema can cause inflight problems when the oxygen pressure drops a little as the aircraft takes off. If you are breathless at home, even at rest, you may not be fit to fly. The same holds true if you cannot manage a 50-meter walk without breathing difficulty. If in doubt, get a formal medical evaluation from a specialist chest physician.

• Oxygen. If you require oxygen, you must get an air tank from the airline. Most airline will provide a tank if you apply at least 48 hours, preferably a week, before your travel date.

• Miscellaneous conditions. A minimum of three weeks is recommended for anyone intending to fly after a recent stroke. People with epilepsy are perfectly able to fly. But if prone to regular fits, they should increase their medication on the advice of their doctor and tail it down upon landing at their destination. People with severe anemia (blood count or hemoglobin less than 7.5g/dl) are usually advised not to fly.

How To Minimize Jet Lag

Chances are though, you won’t get sick on your flight. But if you cross three time zones, you may feel less than terrific when you arrive at your destination, thanks to jet lag. Here are some tips for helping reset your biological clock.

• Three days before your trip, go to bed and get up earlier if you’re traveling east; later if you’re going west.

• Book a flight that arrives in the late afternoon. After you land, stay up until 10 p.m., local time. It’s important to soak as much sunlight or bright light as you can during this time to help reset your biological clock. If you land earlier in the day, nap in the early afternoon, but not for more than two hours.

• Skip caffeine and alcohol three to four hours before bedtime. They interfere with sleep.

• Exercise early in the day, not before bedtime.

• Try using earplugs and eye shades to help you sleep.

Happy Landings

Arecent study presented at an American Heart Association meeting indicated that having a light snack and a nonalcoholic drink before takeoff could lower your chances of having a heart attack or of fainting, the most common inflight emergency. Researchers suspect that having something in your stomach keeps your blood oxygen, which can be affected by cabin pressure and dehydration, at safe levels. On long trips, remember to stretch and move around, both on the plane and in the terminal. This will keep blood from pooling in your lower extremities, which can cause fainting or the forming of blood clots in your legs.

If you have an existing illness or injury, it doesn’t necessarily have to ground you. Do take sensible precautions. Check with your doctor as well as with the airline before you fly. Depending on your condition, some airlines require a medical certificate verifying that you’re medically stable enough for air travel.

Safest Mode Of Travel

Like everything else in the world, air travel has its risk. Notwithstanding the possibility of an air crash or a hijacker taking over the cockpit, modern travel by air today is still the safest mode of transportation in the world. So don’t altogether cancel your travel plans. "We need to keep in mind that air travel is still by far the safest means of travel available to us," assures Dr. Dale Carroll of the Travel Doctor Clinic in the United States. "The comparison with the dangers of automobile travel is obvious, but it is also true that per passenger mile, even travel by cruise ship or by train results in more injury and illness than travel by plane," Carroll added.

So, here’s wishing you a safe, happy ... and healthy trip!