Janet is a frequent traveller in and out of Nigeria but this time decides to make her travelling experience a bit different from the previous ones. She travels to London and few minutes before boarding the flight, she takes a little of alcohol to keep her tipsy and on top of her day; little did she know that she will be facing the common conditions travellers’ face- dehydration.
After about six minutes on air, she becomes unconscious and the rest is a discomforting story she tells till date.
More vacationers are heading to the airport, as we near peak travel season. During the summer vacation season, it’s important that travellers fend off dehydration. Research has shown between 20 and 50 percent of travellers are in high-risk locations.
The jury is still out. But there are several reasons that flying can lead to or exacerbate dehydration. Additionally, dehydration can worsen jet lag, and therefore, to enjoy your vacation to the fullest, it’s best to stay properly hydrated.
When you fly, the air inside the cabin is a lower humidity than normal. Your home is likely between 30- and 60-percent humidity, while inside an airplane, it can drop to less than 20 percent. During longer flights, cabin humidity dips even lower. The most common side effect of low cabin humidity is dry skin, eyes, throat and nose. This drop in humidity doesn’t often require you to drink more fluids. Instead, hydration during air travel is important for a few different reasons.
One survey of more than 200 travellers on long-distance flights found that the majority drank two cups of water or less when flying. Not drinking enough water leads to dehydration, especially on flights lasting more than four hours. Thus, travellers should hydrate before, during, and after a flight to maintain hydration. Sutker, a renowned doctor advised that “Dehydration can be avoided by drinking fluids throughout the flight,” Prepare for your flight by buying a big bottle of water before boarding the plane, and sip from it throughout your time on the plane. Many suggest eight ounces of water for every hour in the air.
The same survey found that roughly 60 percent of passengers preferred to drink caffeine during their flight, and 30 percent drank alcohol. Both caffeine and alcohol have a diuretic effect that can hasten the on-set of dehydration. It’s best to use both in moderation or to avoid them completely.
Sports drinks designed to replace electrolytes can be great options in some instances, but aren’t necessary when you’re just trying to stay hydrated (and they often pack in an unnecessary amount of extra calories). Additionally, some beverages, such as those containing alcohol or caffeine, can have a negative effect. “Alcohol may aggravate dehydration and should be avoided or kept to a minimum,” Sutker says. Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, and colas, can also promote dehydration.
Jet lag is often unavoidable for travellers, especially during long-distance travel. And although there isn’t a “cure,” per se, staying properly hydrated is commonly cited as a course of treatment to help avoid the nausea, lethargy, sluggishness, headache and fogginess associated with jet lag.
According to EverydayHealth.com, a pack of good moisturiser will be helpful. The air inside the plane cabin can do a number on your skin, causing it to become dry, flaky, and itchy. You can hydrate your skin from the inside by drinking plenty of water from the outside by applying a moisturiser to your face and hands – wherever you can retain moisture.
Stow a travel-size stash of a favorite lotion in your purse or carry-on and apply it often during the flight to protect your skin from moisture loss. You might also buy a small water spritzer to keep your face dewy and prevent it from drying out during the flight.
Eye drops are just as important. Whether they are saline drops medicated eye drops, suggested by your doctor, eye drops can be a lifesaver in dry cabin air, especially if you wear contact lenses.
Also nasal sprays will help prevent discomfort. Dry cabin air can cause nasal discomfort and even nosebleeds in some people. If your nose gets dry because of the low cabin humidity when you’re flying, consider packing a saline nose spray or drops.
In addition to these, check your asthma medication. If you use steroid inhalers, speak with your doctor to see if the medication will be enough for the trip, or if your prescription should be increased or changed.
No matter how long flights are, travellers can have an exciting and comforting flying experience with this information on their finger tips.
Ifeoma Okeke
