Flying and Edema ( swelling)
Jul 8, 2004 | 11:57 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: North Carolina
Programs: DL UA
Posts: 540
Flying and Edema ( swelling)
This may not be a travel buzz question but I imagine others have had this experience.
Lately, on any flight over about 2.5 hours I notice that my hands and feet are swelling a lot. Does anyone have any advice for this? I have been told to drink more water but to be honest i just seem to spend more time in the lav when I do that. And as we all know, that isn't that best part of the plane.
I don't have any underlying blood pressure problems so I am a little puzzled. It takes a couple of days for my limbs to get back to normal.
Lately, on any flight over about 2.5 hours I notice that my hands and feet are swelling a lot. Does anyone have any advice for this? I have been told to drink more water but to be honest i just seem to spend more time in the lav when I do that. And as we all know, that isn't that best part of the plane.
I don't have any underlying blood pressure problems so I am a little puzzled. It takes a couple of days for my limbs to get back to normal.
Jul 8, 2004 | 2:02 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Prague, Czechia (PRG)
Posts: 392
I've noticed that too, esp. on the recently MH flight I had from KUL to LAX. By the end I could barely get my club-like swollen foot back into my shoes. Like you said, I didn't used to notice this as much...
Jul 8, 2004 | 2:08 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: san diego, ca
Programs: AA 2MM
Posts: 913
If you can elevate your feet, that will help. I tend to carry a backpack filled with 'put your feet on it' kind of stuff and it's a definite improvement.
It's aggravated, of course, by your sodium intake, and you are at the mercy of the airlines' caterers; can only suggest bringing your own low-sodium food, requesting a special diet plate of same, or foregoing the saltiest foods (ie. nuts and pretzels).
Also, get up and move around as much as you can, and drinking a lot of liquids helps with this.
It's aggravated, of course, by your sodium intake, and you are at the mercy of the airlines' caterers; can only suggest bringing your own low-sodium food, requesting a special diet plate of same, or foregoing the saltiest foods (ie. nuts and pretzels).
Also, get up and move around as much as you can, and drinking a lot of liquids helps with this.
Jul 8, 2004 | 2:18 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: New York City
Posts: 4,024
I think it might be possible to order low-salt meals, although I'd hate to eat the airline's version.
This article has a sales agenda, but explains what happens when flying:
http://www.life-enhancement.com/arti...ate.asp?ID=909
Note that worsened edema could be a sign of diabetes.
Dry facts:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/003104.htm
This article has a sales agenda, but explains what happens when flying:
http://www.life-enhancement.com/arti...ate.asp?ID=909
Note that worsened edema could be a sign of diabetes.
Dry facts:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/003104.htm
Jul 8, 2004 | 2:48 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: North Carolina
Programs: DL UA
Posts: 540
ahh Jeez, I guess I need to get some support hose! I have also noticed a few vericose veins, I'm getting older by the minute. 
I think that all this flying maybe accelerating my body clock.
I think that all this flying maybe accelerating my body clock.
Jul 8, 2004 | 3:11 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA
Programs: UAL IK;Marriott Plat Elite;Hyatt Diamond;Hilton Gold;Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 1,567
My doctor also advised me to eat onions the day before flying. It has seemed to help... (It also helps to keep people from encroaching on my space in the plane 
)
)
Jul 28, 2017 | 5:47 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 1
My legs and that of my son's have swollen and when i landed realised that even my face and fingers are affected.
Got to sat no to those peanuts and request for low sodium food the next time.
Jul 28, 2017 | 5:51 pm
#8
Moderator: Delta SkyMiles, Luxury Hotels, TravelBuzz! and Italy
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 27,015
Bumping a 13 year thread is a violation of the TOS. I suggest if one wishes to begin a new discussion on flying and edema to please do so.
Thanks,
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator
Thanks,
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator