Medical aspects of air travel.

Air travel is convenient but can exacerbate underlying medical conditions. Most problems can be related to changes in atmospheric pressure, hypoxia, air sickness and jet lag. International travelers should be counseled about traveler's diarrhea and malaria if they are flying to endemic areas. Pregnancy is not in itself a contraindication to flying. Common-sense recommendations and reassurance can help assuage concerns about prolonged air travel.