During the flight, the human body is under maximum stress because of the high altitude at which the planes are flying. Different people respond differently to the changes in the microclimate of the cabin during the flight where most of the people feel some changes from the usual way of living. Those having some of the health complications, for instance, asthmatic people need maximum attention during this period because they are likely to become ill due to change in atmospheric pressure as well as the oxygen concentration in the air.
Oxygen partial pressure reduction- Hypoxia
The first person to identify the condition was James Glaisher in 1862 in a balloon at an altitude of 29000 feet. The sign of hypoxia includes personality changes, hypotension, anesthesia coma, arrhythmias, and even cyanosis among others. The concentration of oxygen in blood at sea level is equivalent to 98% at 10000 feet it drops to 90% and in 22000 feet; it further decreases to 60% (Essebag V, 2003). The drop in the concentration of oxygen in the blood causes difficulty and respiratory stress to the passengers in the cabin. There is a need to use oxygen masks especially to the patients having a respiratory complication or reduce the altitude of the aircraft so that the pressure in the cabin increases enabling the people to breathe easily and naturally.
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Reduction of the barometric pressure
When there is an increase in the altitude, the barometric pressure reduces. The pressure at the sea level is at 760 mmHg, but it decreases to 380 mmHg at an altitude of 18000feet. The result of the change in pressure leads to an increase in the volume of air causing a lot of health complication in the cavities within the body. The air in the middle ear usually expands because of the change in barometric pressure. The worst happens if there is an obstacle that blocks the Eustachian tube that balances the air pressure typically in the middle ear. The pressure difference between outside and inside the middle ear may cause swelling, CSF outflow, and even problem when swallowing. The high pressure on the tympanic membrane cause barotraumas where it may need the use of vasoconstrictors drugs in aerosol when the plane is almost decenting to help in restoring balance to pressure difference. The increase in the air volume can also cause distension of the lung tissues, blood vessels, displacement of the diaphragm and pneumothorax (Martin, 2003). The passengers in the flight should be under close supervision especially those who have health complication.
Temperature reduction
When altitude increases, the temperature decreases. The change in temperature increases the metabolic rate of the passengers, and if some of the passengers have burns, they may experience hypoxia and hypothermia. When such a case happens, the passengers must receive oxygen and body temperature checked and maintained to the acceptable level by either using warm clothes or blanket or giving them warm drinks
Reduction of moisture – dehydration
When the altitude increases the air becomes cold and dry, and the humidity in the cabin of the plane reduces due to evaporation. When relative humidity of the air in the cabin decreases, it causes dehydration. The passengers with respiratory complication will have problems and discomfort while flying in such a dehydrated cabin. The first sign of dehydration is the drying of the mucous membrane and hypotension. The use of humidifiers and intake of water or other fluid may help in controlling dehydration.
Noise
Noise is due to massive engines of the plane causes problems when it comes to communication and decrease in hearing. If a person stays in such a noisy environment for a long time, it causes stress and may of becoming deaf. The noise leads to an increase in adrenal function as well as heart rate causing hypertension and increase of blood flow into the brain. Noise intensity should not exceed 90db (C., 2005)
In conclusion, the human body responds differently to the changes in the environment during flight. There is a need for proper passenger management because some can develop health issues due to their state of health in their bodies. High altitude causes a drop in air pressure, temperature, humidity, and even moisture in the air leading to stress on human physiology.
References
C., M. (2005). Noise-Induced Hearing Loss. Air Medical Journal 24 (2) , 73-78.
Essebag V, H. A.-S. (2003). Air Medical Transport of Cardiac Patients. Chest 124 (5) , 1937-1945.
Martin, Τ. E. (2003). Practical aspects of aeromedicai transport. Current Anaesthesia & Critical Care, 14 (3) , 141-148.
