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How long does water retention last after flying?

Travel: For some people, sitting for a long time in a car or airplane can cause fluid retention. The lack of circulation allows fluid to build up; however, the swelling usually goes away in a day or two.



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While swollen ankles and feet after flying can feel quite alarming, it's generally temporary and starts to subside once you resume normal activities. Most individuals will notice a significant reduction in swelling within 24 hours of landing. For others, it might take around 2 days for the swelling to fully recede.

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Once you've landed, you can use a lot of the same tools to reduce swelling after your travel: “Stay hydrated, move around, and wear compression socks,” says Wurster. “Also, be mindful of what you're eating and avoid foods too high in sodium because that can also add to further swelling.”

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Speaking to Cosmopolitan, a flight attendant revealed staying hydrated, keeping cool and trying to be active is the best way to avoid any puffiness. Alternate your seat position between upright and reclined at different points throughout your flight to avoid fluid pooling under your eyes, they explained.

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Swollen ankles are a common side effect of long-haul flights. They most often occur due to the buildup of fluid in the legs, known as edema. Studies show that edema is present in around 97 in 100 people who fly for more than 7 hours. In some other cases, a person's ankles may swell due to DVT.

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Post-flight recovery
  1. Elevate your feet. If you're uncomfortable, grab a seat at the arrival gate where you can elevate your feet. ...
  2. Soak your feet or take a bath when you arrive at your accommodations. Just as a hot tub or jacuzzi increases blood flow, a hot bath can have the same effect. ...
  3. Take a walk or exercise.


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Swelling is common during air travel The swelling is a combination of inactivity paired with the force of gravity pulling the fluids in your body toward earth. Sitting with your feet motionless for hours at a time can cause the blood to pool in the veins of your legs, but it isn't the only source of swelling.

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As annoying (and uncomfortabe) as it can be, Trotman reminds us that “some degree of bloating after a plane trip is normal, and it should typically resolve itself within a couple of days.

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Leg and foot swelling during air travel is common and typically harmless. The most likely culprit is inactivity during a flight. Sitting with your feet on the floor for a long period causes blood to pool in your leg veins. The position of your legs when you are seated also increases pressure in your leg veins.

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It usually takes 3-4 days after your flight to recover. Though jet lag symptoms can be pretty uncomfortable, take heart in the fact that they usually don't last very long. Most people start feeling better within 3 days or so.

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On the morning of your flight, take a cup of hot water and some lemon and squeeze it in, she said. Celery, though not everyone's cup of tea, is the key ingredient. I know it looks so gross, celery, but believe me it is the best thing. I always mix it up with some cucumber and some lemon.

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Play it safe with your digestive system by avoiding carbonated drinks and fried, fatty foods. Staying seated for many hours on end is also a sure-fire recipe for discomfort. Whether you are traveling by plane, train, or car, walk around a little bit every one to two hours can help prevent severe bloating.

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Pressure changes can disrupt the gases in the digestive system and cause them to expand, leading to discomfort, bloating, and sometimes nausea. There's also the fact that when you're traveling via plane, car, or train, your usual diet has to change.

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DVT or PE may manifest during or shortly after the flight, but often not for several weeks. Prevention includes choosing aisle seating, maintaining hydration, walking frequently, wearing loose clothing, exercising the lower extremities, using a foot rest, and avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills.

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