severe cases, by drinking beneficial liquids. Admission to the hospital may be required if symptoms persist. Treatment depends on the severity of the dehydration symptoms.
Children, in particular, may need close observation and evaluation by a physician. Anti-vomiting and anti- diarrhea medications may be given. The doctor may also treat any fever which should make the patient with food poisoning more comfortable.
GASTROINTESTINAL
DISORDERS In addition to altitude changes onboard the airplane, many factors can lead to gastrointestinal (GI) distress. Anxiety about flying, excessive alcohol or caffeine intake, dehydration or food poisoning are common causes. Dyspepsia is known as indigestion or an upset stomach. Symptoms vary from pain in the upper abdomen, a feeling of fullness, bloating, heartburn or nausea.
Gastrointestinal problems are one of the most common complaints onboard an airplane. Cramps occur when blood flow to the gut is compromised. Digestion will be affected and diminished due to this reduced blood flow. Nausea can occur due to inadequate hydration or consuming contaminated foods.
Most GI problems that passengers face, will be temporary in nature. They may vomit, have diarrhea or just feel a general malaise during the flight. Over-the- counter antacids and oxygen may help alleviate their symptoms. Prior to dispensing medications, even over- the-counter ones, notify the PIC and Aircare Access for further direction.
VERTIGO/MOTION
SICKNESS Vertigo is a type of dizziness that results from a dysfunction inside the inner ear. This gives the patient a feeling of moving even when they are still. Vertigo is often associated with dizziness, difficulties standing or walking and may progress to nausea or vomiting. There are many causes of vertigo such as excess alcohol consumption, repetitive spinning as children often do or the continual motion of an aircraft.
Motion sickness, also known as kinetosis, occurs when perceived movement doesn’t match your sense of movement. This occurs commonly in cars, when someone is reading a book or looking down. Your eyes are focused on the text, while your body is moving along with the car. Something doesn’t match and motion sickness can occur. The same is true when on a boat or on a plane. Symptoms of motion sickness may become more pronounced when the aircraft is experiencing turbulence.
Treatment for vertigo or motion sickness is quite simple and centers on patient comfort. Cool compresses or cool air directed at the patient may help alleviate the nauseated feeling. Cool water to drink, instead of alcohol, will begin to help if dehydration is a factor. Oxygen can also be given if directed by the PIC or Aircare Access. This too will help alleviate the nauseated feeling. Should the patient vomit, airway monitoring will be required.
PHOBIAS/PANIC
DISORDER The fear of flying, or aerophobia, affects about 25% of people. Travel delays, weather concerns or recent news stories can worsen the fear. Aerophobia may be exacerbated if combined with claustrophobia, fear of germs, fear of heights or social phobias.
Symptoms of aerophobia are similar to those of any specific phobia and may include shaking, sweating, elevated blood pressure, GI distress and rapid heart rate. A passenger suffering from aerophobia may be unable to think clearly, feel upset and irritable or even lash out at those traveling near.
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurring severe panic attacks. It may also include behavioral changes that last for some time. Panic disorder is not necessarily related to a specific fear; e.g., spiders, and therefore can be difficult to predict. A patient suffering from panic attacks may worsen the situation, worrying about when the next one will occur. Panic attacks can occur in adults, as well as children.
Other Medical Emergencies 87
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