For those of you who frequently travel by airplane, do you often experience sinus issues while flying? According to recent studies, over twenty percent of passengers report cold and flu-like symptoms within a week after flying. The question that arises is why? Could it be due to passengers being in close proximity to each other? Or the recirculation of air within the cabin? Or the change in altitude during the flight? The answer is yes to all of the above. Various factors contribute to the stuffiness, facial pressure, and post-nasal drip that passengers frequently experience. More importantly, if these symptoms are typical for the general public, imagine how much worse they could be for individuals with acute or chronic sinus-related issues. Taking measures before and after flying is vital to maintain sinus health. Follow these sinus recommendations For air travel tips to improve your chances of avoiding sinus problems during your next flight.
Sinus Recommendations For Air Travel
#1. Get a Full Night’s Sleep Before and After You Fly
Prioritizing sufficient rest is paramount while traveling to prevent sinus-related issues. This practice contributes to an increased energy level and enhances the immune system’s efficacy in warding off illnesses.
#2. Plan Your Meals Before Leaving
In the week leading up to your flight, it’s a good idea to eat foods that can promote sinus health. It would be best to focus on foods known to reduce inflammation, such as tomatoes, ginger, eggs, and avocados. Foods high in immunity-boosting nutrients like leafy greens, salmon, and garlic are also excellent choices. Eating the right foods can help prevent sinus flare-ups and the uncomfortable nasal pressure that often comes with air travel. Consider packing nuts, berries, apples, and pears for healthy and other anti-inflammatory snacks during the flight.
#3. Drink Plenty of Water and Stay Hydrated
When you’re on a plane, the dry air and low pressure inside the cabin can cause problems for your sinuses. That’s why it’s essential to stay hydrated. Drinking five to eight glasses of water before flying is recommended to keep your nasal system healthy and moist. Drinking enough water not only helps keep your body hydrated but also helps prevent sinus-related health issues.
#4. Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine, and Other Stimulants
If you find it challenging to consume the recommended eight glasses of water daily, it is advisable to avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol. You may argue that these beverages contain water, but they are diuretics that cause you to lose more water than you take in. Instead, opt for hot herbal tea as it is a better alternative, particularly if you inhale the steam, which will keep your sinuses moist throughout the flight. Therefore, to stay hydrated and healthy during your trip, it is best to avoid coffee and wine.
#5. Arrive Early
The detrimental impacts of stress are widely known and acknowledged by individuals and medical professionals alike. Anxieties associated with missed flights can contribute to fatigue and a weakened immune response. Therefore, arriving at the airport ahead of time is prudent, avoiding the stressors of having to rush. Additionally, to mitigate the effects of sinus congestion resulting from pressure changes during mid-flight, one should utilize one’s free time before boarding to take decongestants. Doing so can alleviate the adverse physical effects during the flight.
#6. Take Nasal Spray
A saline nasal spray can help reduce secretions in your sinuses and remove allergens that may irritate your sinuses. It also works as a humidifier to prevent dryness in your nasal cavities and helps to keep mucus moving, which prevents germs from causing inflammation or infection. Keeping saline sprays on hand is essential, especially when traveling by plane, as the air pressure and reduced oxygen levels can irritate your sinus cavities.
#7. Pack a Negative-Ion Generator
If you’re unfamiliar with negative-ion generators, you might be surprised to discover that they can greatly improve the air quality of a room. When present in high concentrations, negative ions bind themselves to positively charged particulates in the air, such as mold spores, pollen, dust, and bacteria, causing them to become heavy and fall to the ground. As a result, these hazardous particles are no longer airborne and cannot be inhaled or cause respiratory problems.