Flying
Flying (medicine)
Flying (pronounced: /ˈflaɪɪŋ/) in the context of medicine, refers to the physiological and psychological effects of air travel on the human body. The term is derived from the Old English word 'flyge', which means to move through air or space.
Physiological Effects
Altitude sickness is a common physiological effect of flying. It is caused by reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is another potential risk associated with long-haul flights. DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. It can be life-threatening if the clot travels to the lungs and causes a pulmonary embolism.
Jet lag is a temporary sleep disorder that can affect those who travel quickly across multiple time zones. It is caused by the body's internal clock being out of sync with the new time zone.
Psychological Effects
Fear of flying, also known as aviophobia, is a psychological condition that can cause significant distress and anxiety. It can be triggered by various aspects of flying, such as fear of heights, fear of enclosed spaces, or fear of not being in control.
Traveler's anxiety is a broader term that encompasses various psychological issues related to travel, including fear of flying. It can manifest as general unease, worry, or panic attacks before or during travel.
Related Terms
- Aeromedical evacuation: The use of aircraft to transport sick or injured people to medical facilities.
- Aerospace medicine: The medical specialty that focuses on the health and safety of those who use aircraft or space vehicles.
- Air travel: The act of traveling from one place to another by aircraft.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Flying
- Wikipedia's article - Flying
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