if you spend most of the days flying in a commercial airplane in coach, does it ever get to be unhealthy?

Answer 1

As mentioned by the first answerer (is that even a word) the mayor risk is PE (pulmonary embolism). PE happens when a trombous (aka blod clot) forms in your legs and then migrate to your lungs.

DVP (deep venous trombosis) is associated with flights over 3000 miles. Also, the risk of getting it increases if you smoke, have varicose veins in your legs, you're a woman on the Pill, have a clotting disease (like Leiden's V factor, VonWillebrand's disease...)

While you're on a plane, get up at least once every hour, move your leg muscles while sitting, and you should be OK. If you have any disease (not just the ones I mentioned above), go see your doctor about DVT profilaxis, a medication used to prevent the clots from forming.

Answer 2

Well the biggest worry you should have is the chance of a pulmonary embolism, which can happen to people who remain immoble for long periods of time. when your flying, try to get up and move around at least once an hour. if you are unable to do this, then just do basic leg stretches sitting down. It may sound silly, but experts say it's better than nothing. Try to read up on David Bloom, he's the NBC journalist who died in Iraq because he was cooped up in a Humvee for days. He too died from this condition.

Answer 3

in addition to the clots previously mentioned, the air is really dry and you risk dehydration. It also causes nausea in some people. But I love flying anyway...in fact I wish I was on my way to some foreign land right now!

Answer 4

It deponds on whether your sitting or standing,
if you are sitting there is a danger of developing
blood clots...try to move your legs frequently.