Content

• Steps

A lot of people experience the headaches of flying. This could be due to altered altitude, plane sickness or being affected by airports or aircraft. There are many things you can do to reduce the severity of your flight headaches, and you should do them before, during, and after boarding.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Taking medications

1. 

   Take ibuprofen. Occasionally, headaches that occur during flight or after a plane land are caused by a sudden change in altitude. The pain reliever ibuprofen can prevent the occurrence of headaches due to elevation.
   • In a recent study, climbers were given several ibuprofen tablets 24 hours before their trip to the highlands. Only a few of the 40% of climbers who took ibuprofen had a headache due to the altitude and nausea. In the group of climbers who did not take ibuprofen, almost 70% had headaches, nausea and other symptoms.
   • When preparing to fly, take 600 milligrams of ibuprofen within 24 hours of your flight. Ibuprofen is available at most pharmacies and is called Advil or Motrin.

2. 

   
   
   Take common migraine headache medicine. Often people get headaches while flying because they often have migraines. Changes in altitude, air pressure, and environment will increase the severity of a migraine. Take the usual medicine you take to treat your migraine because you already know how it works and don't have to worry about its safety in flight.

3. 

   
   
   Use acetazolamide. Acetazolamide is a medicine commonly used to treat glaucoma but is also sometimes helpful in relieving altitude-related symptoms. If you think you have headaches due to variable altitude, this medication will be a good option for you.
   • You can ask your doctor to prescribe medications with acetazolamide. Talk to your doctor about your headaches every time you fly and ask if acetazolamide is safe for you. Acetazolamide is prescribed in different doses with instructions depending on the reason you are taking the medication and your medical history. Follow the directions on the prescription and don't hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
   • Acetazolamide can cause nausea, dizziness, and loss of appetite. These are common side effects and will go away on their own. If you have more serious side effects, such as fever, rash, or blood in urine, reduce the dose of the medicine and talk to your doctor.
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Part 2 of 3: Some notes

1. 

   
   
   Book a direct flight if possible. Since headaches are sometimes affected by altitude changes, booking a direct flight will help you avoid headaches.
   • The change in elevation will increase the change in oxygen levels, causing the blood vessels at the head to contract more to produce oxygen. This change in the blood vessels causes a migraine.
   • Booking a direct flight can be a bit difficult and expensive. However, see if you can ride to the point where there is a direct flight to your final destination. It's better if you ride to the airport and catch a direct flight if you have severe headache or migraine.

2. 

   Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You will have to sit a lot on the flight and walk a lot at the airport. Don't wear clothes that are uncomfortable or wear uncomfortable shoes.

3. 

   Provide enough water. Drinking plenty of water during flight can help ward off post-flight headaches like feeling lightheaded and dehydrated.
   • The humidity in an airplane is only 15%, similar to the climate in arid regions. Please bring a bottle of water on board and have a drink before the plane takes off.
   • Because of liquid restrictions, it's a good idea to buy water in the airport or bring a clump of empty water through customs and refill it at public posts in some airports. Note that you will not be invited to water until it is safe to take off. Therefore, bring water on the plane so you don't have to wait when you feel thirsty.
   • If you forgot your water bottle and feel thirsty when the plane takes off, you can ask the flight attendant to get you water before the plane takes off.

4. 

   Eat well. Traveling for long periods of time without eating or drinking can cause headaches. The food on the plane is relatively expensive so bring something to eat with you.
   • Buy protein and fiber rich foods like nuts, dried fruits, and nutritious granola bars. Keep food in your carry-on bag. Avoid foods that are salty or high in sugar, as these can dehydrate your body.

5. 

   Avoid alcohol. You will want to kill time at the airport bar or drink beer on the plane to ease sadness. However, alcohol can cause headaches after flight.
   • Alcohol is one of the causes of migraines and also causes dehydration, making fatigue worse and causing headaches.
   • Red wine is said to cause headaches if consumed in excess. Drinking a glass or two of red wine before or after boarding can lead to headaches after flight.
   • If you want to drink alcohol before your flight, choose a white wine as it will be less headache-inducing.

6. 

   Try to sleep. Taking the time to sleep on the flight can help your body rest and refresh when the plane comes down. If your headaches are caused by air sickness, sleeping in flight can help.
   • Herbal supplements such as melatonin can be purchased from pharmacies and supermarkets. Small doses will help you sleep well. Some people even take Dramamine while flying because it reduces nausea. This drug causes drowsiness and helps you sleep well during flight.
   • Try the medications you take at home before you fly. That way, you will know in advance the types of possible side effects.
   • Carry a neck pillow to avoid a spasm when sleeping on an airplane.

7. 

   Relax while in flight. Headaches are often caused by stress. Relaxing before and during a flight can relieve headaches.
   • Be prepared for flight routes and noise before arriving at the airport.Since anxiety is often caused by something you don't know or expect, having enough information before you fly will help reduce your feelings of fear.
   • Bring a photo of the place you are going to be. When you begin to feel anxious during your flight, check out a photo of the place you are going to reduce your anxiety.
   • If your elevation profile is relatively severe, ask your doctor or therapist about an anti-anxiety medicine you can take before you fly.
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Part 3 of 3: What to do after flight

1. 

   Get fresh air as soon as you can. It may take a while to pick up your luggage and find the right exit door, but the fresh air or light will wake you up and reduce your jitters after flying. Breathing air is important. Some things at the airport or in the plane can be uncomfortable and cause headaches. Avoiding any of those things will prevent headaches from occurring.

2. 

   Take time to adapt. No matter how mentally prepared, people still feel "lost" when getting out of the plane. Give your body time to adapt.
   • You should not drive immediately. Take a taxi home from the airport or have someone pick you up.
   • Don't come into contact with things that often cause headaches. Caffeine, loud music and alcohol should be avoided for a few hours after a flight until you feel completely well.

3. 

   Talk to your doctor about the headache of flying. If the headache is frequent or severe, you should see a therapist. Make sure your headaches are caused by the effects of flight and not related to other serious medical problems. Your doctor will give you prescriptions and tips to help relieve headaches after flight. advertisement