Take Care of Your Sinus While Flying
You are looking for advice on allergy and sinus care? The newest progress on our blog is shared by our doctors and staff. Can aircraft flying lead to more colds and symptoms of sinuses?
Although this is a difficult science question to address, a group of University-affiliated researchers tried to examine the subject. They researched flight attendants carefully in the largest analysis of their kind and associated their entire sinus health to their time on an aircraft. They have even consulted with sinus specialists to know about it more.
In fact the symptoms of sinuses such as cushioning, thick nasal fluid and sneezing were directly related to those of the days spent in air transport.
Air travel may have a detrimental effect on sinus health because of many reasons:
The air supply of aircraft cabin includes several pollutants which could potentially damage the sinus area.
Airplane air that acts against normal cleansing of sinus mucous membranes is drier than averaged.
Barometric pressure variations in a cabin can also play a part in getting bacteria into the sinus cavities.
The authors can easily draw attention to their research, but this does not indicate a link between the regular travel of aircraft and the sinuses. Other variables that may play a part include sleeping cycles or proximity at their point of destination to other environments. However, this is the first such research that indicates that repeated air travel can lead to sinus problems.
What would you do if you again have to fly in future?
Frequent nasal saline rinses are useful for removing unnecessary bacteria or irritants from the sinus region both before and after air transport.
Use the hand sanitizer regularly to keep hands from touching your face
Adequate nutrition and rest
Drink plenty of water as the dehydration in air travelers is normal and drought threatens the health of the sinus.
Tips to Avoid Illness after a Flight
Keep Water Bottle Handy - Drinking plenty of water not only counteracts the general dehydration of aviation and can lead to headaches, stress, fatigue and more, but also improves the normal preventive immune system significantly more effectively. This is clearly the case in normal everyday life — during exercise, extended exposure to the sun, etc. However, these are the first places to suffer on an airplane where your nose and throat lie on the frontline of the battle with incredibly dry air.
Clean Your Hands- Your hands are the most consistent first touch point on and abroad for cold, flu and other germs. It is a straightaway between brackets / posts to the fingers and a few days later it bends to full-blown fever. Scientists say that hours on your skin or on solid objects and surfaces are possible for viruses that cause colds and flu. The surfaces on which aircraft are dirtiest include desks, overhead air windings, flush toilet buttons and seatbelt buckles.
Dental hygiene should not be ignored-Just as keeping your hands free will prevent the spread of germs, you will add a new protective layer while also helping to keep your throat moist with a germ killing mouthwash in flight. Make sure your bottle of mouthwash is 3.4 oz or less to comply with the new liquids and gels regulations.
If you have acute sinus and need to go for a checkup before your flight, book an appointment with OKOA to talk to our sinus specialist in OKC.
**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.