Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Using medications
• Part 2 of 3: Taking precautions
• Part 3 of 3: After the flight

Many travelers suffer from headaches during or after flying. This can be caused by height differences, jet lag or exposure to irritants at the airport or on the plane. There are several ways you can reduce your headaches after flying. To do this, you have to take measures before, during and after the flight.

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Part 1 of 3: Using medications

1. Try ibuprofen. Headaches during or after a flight are often caused by a sudden height difference. As a pain reliever, ibuprofen can effectively prevent headaches caused by height differences.
   • In a recent study, hikers preparing for a high-altitude hike were given several doses of ibuprofen, which they took 24 hours before their trip. Just over 40% of the hikers who took ibuprofen experienced headaches caused by elevation changes, as well as nausea. In the control group, of whom no one had taken ibuprofen, nearly 70% of the walkers experienced headaches, nausea and other symptoms.
   • If you are going to fly, try to take 600 mg of ibuprofen in the 24 hours before the flight. You can buy ibuprofen at most drugstores and supermarkets under different brand names, such as Advil and Sarixell.
2. Take your regular migraine medications. People who regularly suffer from migraines often also experience headaches while flying. In general, changes in altitude, air pressure, and the environment can trigger a migraine. Take your regular migraine medications, because it's usually just safe to take your regular medications while flying.
3. Take acetazolamide. Acetazolamide is a medicine that is mainly used to treat glaucoma, but it sometimes also works well to reduce complaints caused by height differences. If you think your headache is caused by elevation changes, this drug may be a good option for you.
   • You need a prescription for acetazolamide. Tell your doctor that you get a headache while flying and ask him if he thinks it is safe to use this medication. Acetazolamide is prescribed in different doses and with different instructions, depending on why you are taking it and your medical history. Follow the directions on the prescription and don't hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any.
   • Acetazolamide can cause nausea, dizziness and loss of appetite. These are normal side effects and should pass on their own. If you experience more serious side effects, such as fever, rash, or blood in your urine, stop taking the medicine and talk to your doctor.

Part 2 of 3: Taking precautions

1. If possible, book a direct flight. Headaches are sometimes caused by height differences, so booking a direct flight can help prevent headaches.
   • Height differences can cause changes in your oxygen levels, so the blood vessels in your head try to compensate for this difference by contracting and expanding. This change in your blood vessels can cause you to develop migraines.
   • Booking a direct flight can be tricky and expensive. However, check if you live within driving distance of an airport with direct flights to your final destination.If your migraine or headache is particularly severe, it may be worth driving your car to an airport and catching a direct flight from there.
2. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You will have to sit for a long time while flying and when you are at the airport you will have to walk a lot. Don't wear clothes that restrict your movements or shoes that don't give you enough support.
3. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water during the flight can prevent many of the causes of post-flight headaches, such as jet lag and dehydration.
   • Airplanes have a humidity of just 15%, which is just as high as some of the driest places on Earth. So make sure you bring a water bottle with you on the plane and stay hydrated before boarding.
   • Due to the rules and restrictions that apply to liquids, you may have to purchase a water bottle at the airport itself or you may have to bring an empty water bottle with you through security and fill it at a tap. Remember that you are usually not offered a drink on board until some time after the plane has taken off. Bring your own water on the plane so you don't have to wait for a drink when you get thirsty.
   • If you've forgotten your water bottle and feel thirsty on takeoff, it's okay to ask the flight attendant for a water bottle before the plane takes off.
4. Eat regularly. If there is a lot of time between your meals, this can start to give you a headache. Eating on a plane can be expensive, so bring something to eat with you.
   • Buy snacks that are high in fiber and protein, such as nuts, dried fruit, and granola bars. Put them in your hand luggage. Avoid very salty or sweet snacks, as these can dry out your body even more.
5. Avoid alcohol. It can be tempting to spend time at an airport bar or drink beer while flying to help reduce boredom. However, alcohol can cause headaches after flying.
   • Alcohol is one of the main causes of migraines. It can also cause your body to dry out further, causing more jet lag and headaches.
   • Red wine, in particular, is known to cause headaches in large quantities. If you drink one or two glasses of red wine before or after boarding, you can get a headache after your flight.
   • If you really want to drink alcohol before flying, stick to white wine. You will get less headaches from that.
6. Try to sleep. Sleeping while flying can help you feel rested and refreshed on landing. Sleeping in flight can help if your headache seems to be caused by jet lag.
   • You can buy herbal supplements such as melatonin at the drugstore and supermarket. Small doses of these drugs can cause you to fall asleep. Many people also take air sickness medications as this reduces nausea. These drugs can also make you drowsy, which can help you sleep on a long flight.
   • Try out any medications you want to take during your flight at home in advance. If you suffer from side effects, you will of course want to know this in time.
   • Take a pillow with you so as not to strain your neck while flying.
7. Stay calm while flying. Headaches can often be caused by stress. By staying calm before and during the flight, you are less likely to get a headache.
   • Familiarize yourself with the different flying routines and the noises the plane makes. Do this before going to the airport. People are often afraid of unfamiliar or unexpected situations. So you can reduce your anxiety by gathering as much information as possible in advance.
   • Have a photo of your destination ready. If you start to get scared while flying, you can help reduce your anxiety by reminding yourself where you are going.
   • If your fear of flying is particularly severe, ask your doctor or psychologist about an anti-anxiety medication that you can take as needed before flying.

Part 3 of 3: After the flight

1. Get fresh air as soon as possible. It may take a while to get your luggage back and find your way to the correct exit, but fresh air or sunlight can help you to recover and reduce jet lag. Outdoor exposure is also important. At the airport or on the plane there may be substances to which you are slightly allergic. These substances can cause you to get a headache. By avoiding exposure to these substances as much as possible you can prevent headaches.
2. Give your body time to adjust. Most people feel a little strange when they get off the plane. It does not matter what precautions you have taken. So give your body time to adjust.
   • It may not be a good idea to start driving immediately. Take a taxi, bus, or train from the airport, or ask a good friend to pick you up.
   • Don't expose yourself to stimulants that can normally give you headaches. Avoid caffeine, loud music, and alcohol in the hours after your flight until your body adjusts.
3. Talk to your doctor about the headaches you get from flying. If you have frequent headaches or if your headaches are severe, then you should make an appointment with your doctor. You want to make sure that your headache is caused by flying and not a more serious medical problem. Your doctor may also be able to recommend medications and lifestyle changes that could help reduce the post-flight headache.