Can you get dizziness after flying?
Yes, you can get dizziness after flying. Often, this condition is associated with other like motion sickness, anxiety, or vertigo.
Motion sickness is a common cause of dizziness. Even one in three people with this disease can have severe symptoms. The disease makes you sensitive to movement, such as flying, and can lead to dizziness [1].
Vertigo is a condition that causes a feeling of spinning. Many people experience it at least once in their life. It can be triggered by altitude changes during a flight and cause dizziness [1].
However, other conditions can also lead to dizziness after flying. Meniere’s disease, inner ear infection, labyrinthitis, and vestibular neuritis are among them. They all affect the ear and its balance organ [1].
In some cases, sudden blood pressure changes during the flight can also lead to dizziness [2].
Can you get vertigo after flying?
Yes, it is possible to have vertigo after flying. Among frequent flyers, vertigo is a common complaint. It originates from the labyrinthine in the inner ear and is responsible for balance [3].
Particularly, long-haul flight can lead to vestibular dysfunction, resulting in vertigo [4]. Neurological conditions can also lead to vertigo. After long flying times, people with mal de debarquement syndrome can experience vertigo [5].
However, other factors can also lead to it. A study on pilots of the Portuguese Air Force shows that nearly one-third of the pilots have alternobaric vertigo during their flights. It comes from uneven changes in the pressure of the ears during the flight [6]. Nevertheless, normal cruising passengers are rarely exposed to drastic and continuous pressure changes as combat pilots. Thus, alternobaric vertigo occurs seldomly.
Why do I have dizziness or vertigo after flying?
Several factors can contribute to past-flight dizziness or vertigo. One of the main ones is the vestibular simulation during the airplane movement. Head movement during them can lead to the Coriolis cross-coupling effect, resulting in dizziness, disorientation, and vertigo [7].
Another factor is the alteration in pressure during flight. Quick pressure changes can cause hypertension and rapid heartbeat, which can lead to a feeling of dizziness [8].
Also, you may have some medical conditions that contribute to dizziness or vertigo after the flight. The most common causes of this symptom are inner ear infection, labyrinthitis, Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, and migraine [1, 9].
What to do against dizziness after flying?
The first thing to do when you feel dizzy after flying is to sit or lie down. It is for your own safety and to prevent you from falling and, consequently, injuries [10].
Pay attention to your hydration and hunger. Rehydrate and eat during and after the flight [11, 12].
When experiencing dizziness, avoid sudden movements or quick position changes. This will prevent the symptom from worsening [10].
If you know you have motion sickness, you can take over-the-counter medication, such as Benadryl or Dramamine [1].
You can also find one of the natural ways to combat dizziness. Try eating ginger candies, tensing your muscles, smelling a rose scent, or focusing the sight on a fixed moving point [1].
If the dizziness is frequent and severe, you should see a doctor. A thorough medical examination finds the possible cause of the dizziness and its treatment.
What to do against vertigo after flying?
To avoid vertigo, stay hydrated and try to avoid alcohol during the flight. Alcohol and dehydration change the fluid composition of the vestibular organ, which is responsible for balance. These changes can potentially cause vertigo [13].
Also, just like in case of dizziness, to prevent vertigo, try to eat and drink normally during the flight. Additionally, remember to regularly stretch your legs and take a breath of fresh air after landing [11].
In case you have motion sickness and experience vertigo, take your medication or over-the-counter drugs. For example, you can take Dramamine or scopolamine [1].
If vertigo occurs often and persists for a long time, see a doctor. It may be that you have a medical condition you are not aware of. When possible, the physician will personalize a treatment specially for you to prevent the next vertigo after flying [3].