When not to Fly
Being in an aeroplane can make certain medical conditions worse. Ask your doctor whether you need to reschedule your trip if:
- You’ve had abdominal, eye or chest surgery in the last couple of weeks. Gases inside the body expand during flight, causing swelling that’s painful and that could also interfere with wound healing.
- You’re wearing a rigid cast. The limb in the plaster cast is likely to swell.
- You have a cold or other respiratory infection that’s blocking your eustachian tubes. But if you really must get on a plane, taking a decongestant (nasal spray or pill) can help keep tubes open; also drink lots of water to counter the plane’s dehydrating effects.
