What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a feeling of dizziness and spinning sensation often caused by a problem with the inner ear. When you experience vertigo, your sense of balance is thrown off and it can be difficult to keep your balance. While vertigo can affect people of any age, it’s more common in older adults. The most common cause of vertigo is a problem with the inner ear, but it can also be caused by head or neck injuries, certain medications, and even mental health problems.
What are the Symptoms of Vertigo?
Vertigo can cause a variety of symptoms, including feeling lightheaded or dizzy, feeling like the room is spinning, feeling like you’re moving when you’re not, and having trouble walking or standing. It can also cause nausea and vomiting, headaches, ringing in the ears, and difficulty concentrating. Vertigo can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few days.
What Causes Vertigo When Flying?
Vertigo can be caused by a variety of factors when flying, including changes in air pressure, air turbulence, and the stress of travel. The cabin pressure can cause changes in the inner ear which can lead to vertigo. Additionally, the turbulence associated with flying can cause the inner ear to become unbalanced, leading to feelings of dizziness or spinning.
How to Prevent Vertigo When Flying
There are a few steps you can take to help prevent vertigo when flying. First, you should make sure you are properly hydrated before and during your flight. Staying hydrated can help keep your inner ear balanced and can help prevent vertigo. Additionally, it is important to be aware of your posture during your flight. Sitting up straight and not slouching can help keep your inner ear balanced and reduce the risk of vertigo.
Medications
If you are prone to vertigo or are worried about experiencing vertigo while flying, you can talk to your doctor about medications that can help reduce the risk. Some medications that are used to treat vertigo can also help reduce the risk of vertigo while flying. Additionally, if you suffer from motion sickness, there are medications that can help reduce the risk of vertigo while flying. Your doctor can help you determine which medication is best for you.
Earplugs and Noise Cancelling Headphones
Using earplugs or noise cancelling headphones during your flight can help reduce the risk of vertigo. This is because the earplugs can help reduce the noise in the cabin, which can cause the inner ear to become unbalanced. Additionally, the noise cancelling headphones can help reduce the noise of the engines, which can also cause vertigo.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine can both contribute to vertigo, so it is best to avoid them when flying. Alcohol can dehydrate you, which can lead to vertigo, and caffeine can also contribute to vertigo. Additionally, both alcohol and caffeine can make you more prone to motion sickness, which can also lead to vertigo.
Stay Active During the Flight
Staying active during the flight can help reduce the risk of vertigo. Walking up and down the aisle and stretching can help keep your inner ear balanced and can help prevent vertigo. Additionally, staying active can help reduce the risk of motion sickness, which can also contribute to vertigo.
See Your Doctor
If you experience vertigo while flying, it is important to see your doctor. They can help determine the cause of your vertigo and provide treatment if necessary. Additionally, they can help you develop a plan to help prevent vertigo while flying in the future.
Conclusion
Vertigo can be a frightening experience, but taking a few steps can help reduce the risk of vertigo while flying. Staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, staying active during the flight, and using earplugs or noise cancelling headphones can all help reduce the risk of vertigo. Additionally, if you experience vertigo while flying, it is important to see your doctor for further evaluation and treatment.