Flyers beware of altitude sickness

Imagine you are on your flight, traveling to your holiday destination, then all of a sudden you begin to sway, feel light-headed and dizzy and your legs begin to tremble… No, it’s probably not that burger you ate before boarding. Chances are you are experiencing altitude sickness.

Warning Signs
When you get to about 6,500 feet, the oxygen becomes thinner, and if you are not used to it, you could find yourself in the beginning stages of altitude sickness. Your body takes time to get used to the reduced oxygen and changes in air pressure. The lack of oxygen in your blood can cause…

- Nausea or vomiting
- Trembling
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of coordination
- Lethargy

How to Avoid Getting Altitude Sickness
Before you get on your flight, make sure you've had a good night’s sleep, and it never hurts to wash your hands to avoid nasty germs. Drink water and avoid alcohol; water helps you stay hydrated while alcohol adds to dehydration and jet lag.

When you know the trip is going to be long, make sure to move around a lot. Take a quick walk up the aisle and stretch your legs. Not only will this help with altitude sickness, but it can help you avoid developing deep vein thrombosis.

Altitude sickness isn't just for climbers it seems, some people can also get it during a flight! Make sure to follow these easy steps to avoid getting it.

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Written By: Christine Romans