From the Guidelines
To reduce fluid buildup after a flight, it is essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after flying, while limiting alcohol and caffeine which can worsen dehydration. This approach is supported by the most recent and highest quality study, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining fluid intake to avoid dehydration and volume depletion during travel 1.
Key Strategies for Reducing Fluid Buildup
- Move around frequently during the flight by walking the aisle every hour and performing simple exercises like ankle circles and calf raises in your seat to improve circulation.
- Wear compression socks or stockings (15-20 mmHg pressure) to prevent fluid accumulation in your legs, as recommended for flights longer than 2 hours 1.
- After landing, elevate your legs when possible and consider light exercise like walking to stimulate circulation.
- Limit alcohol intake to two units per day for men with heart failure, one unit for women with heart failure, or no intake if alcohol has caused or contributed to the individual’s heart failure, as recommended by the ESC 1.
Considerations for Pre-existing Conditions
For those with pre-existing conditions like heart failure or kidney disease, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before flying as you may need prescription diuretics or other specific recommendations 1. Additionally, patients with heart failure should be aware of the risks of sodium intake on fluid balance and the potential for hyperkalaemia, especially when consuming foods high in salt or potassium 1.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
The evidence suggests that staying hydrated, moving frequently, wearing compression socks, and limiting alcohol intake are effective strategies for reducing fluid buildup after a flight 1. By following these recommendations, individuals can minimize the risk of fluid accumulation and related discomfort during and after air travel.
From the FDA Drug Label
Edema Therapy should be individualized according to patient response to gain maximal therapeutic response and to determine the minimal dose needed to maintain that response. The best way to remove fluid buildup after a flight is to use Furosemide tablets as prescribed by a doctor, with the usual initial dose being 20 to 80 mg given as a single dose, and the dose may be increased or adjusted according to the patient's response 2.
- The dose may be raised by 20 or 40 mg and given not sooner than 6 to 8 hours after the previous dose until the desired diuretic effect has been obtained.
- It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions to achieve the best results and minimize potential side effects.
From the Research
Methods to Remove Fluid Buildup
To remove fluid buildup after a flight, several methods can be considered:
- Wearing compression stockings: Studies have shown that compression stockings can reduce leg swelling and edema 3, 4, 5.
- Using compression therapy: Compression therapy has been found to decrease foot and leg volume, reduce venous reflux, and venous hypertension 6.
- Combining diuretics with compression: A study found that combining diuretics with compression bandaging can lead to a significant decrease in limb volume and improvement in symptoms 7.
- Walking: Walking, especially when combined with wearing compression stockings, can help reduce leg edema 5.
Key Findings
Key findings from the studies include:
- Compression stockings can reduce evening edema by 40.3 mL to 59.1 mL, depending on the compression level 3.
- The use of compression stockings can reduce occupational edema of the lower limbs in jobs with prolonged orthostatism 4.
- Compression therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for venous edema and lymphatic disorders, but patient compliance can be a challenge 6.
- Walking while wearing compression stockings can have a synergistic effect in reducing edema of the lower limbs 5.