Traveling causes headaches to many people around the world. Headaches are unfortunate and common side effects of traveling, with millions of people experiencing them every year. In most cases, people experience airplane-induced headaches. Perhaps, that’s because of the discomfort that passengers experience on most flights.
Why Traveling Can Cause Headaches
In addition to the stress of planning a trip and maneuvering the airport, uncomfortable cabin conditions can also trigger headaches. Poor air quality in the airplane can also start a headache. Essentially, airline cabins have dry air. And this can dehydrate the passengers’ bodies leading to malaise feelings.
Another possible cause of headaches when traveling is air quantity. Cruising altitude, especially for commercial airlines, have low-than-normal oxygen levels. Blood oxygen saturation for passengers in commercial flights is 5-10 percent below average. Consequently, the decrease in the oxygen that the brain receives can trigger a headache.
Additionally, altitude and barometric pressure changes can cause headaches. Usually, the human body responds to abrupt altitude changes and less-than-normal air pressure negatively. What’s more, the roaring engine noise and cramped seating can trigger flight-related headaches.
Signs of Travel-Induced Headaches
Perhaps, you’ve experienced a headache when flying, but you’re unsure whether it’s travel-induced. Here are the common signs of airplane-induced headaches.
- Tightness sensations across the temples and forehead
- Tension in the shoulders and neck
- Tenderness on your scalp
- Head pain
In addition to these symptoms, some travelers also experience nausea, insomnia, irritability, and lack of appetite. Ear pain is also a common symptom of air travel-induced headaches. That’s because air pressure changes in the cabin, especially when landing and taking off, interfere with pressure balance around the Eustachian tube and eardrum. The Eustachian line links your middle ear to the throat and nose back. And this imbalance can lead to occasional popping sensations and painful pressure in the ears.
While traveling can cause headaches, you can take pain relievers and sleep aids to deal with the discomfort. Also, stand up and regularly walk to enhance blood circulation. Additionally, drink adequate water while avoiding caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.