'Raw-Dogging' A Flight Could Kill You

If you haven’t heard about raw-dogging a flight, consider yourself lucky. Unfortunately for you, that’s exactly what this post is about, so either turn back now or buckle up. Basically, instead of listening to music, reading a book or watching a movie on a flight, some flyers are choosing to skip all that in favor of simply watching the flight map until they land. More extreme raw-doggers also forgo snacks, drinks and going to the bathroom. As the BBC reports, doctors say that could also kill you:

They’re idiots. A digital detox might do you some good, but all the rest of it is against medical advice. The whole thing about the risk of long-haul flying is that you’re at risk of dehydration. If you’re not moving you’re at risk of deep vein thrombosis, which is compounded by dehydration. Not going to the toilet, that’s a bit stupid. If you need the loo, you need the loo.

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If you refuse to pee for long enough, it becomes painful and has been connected to an increased risk of kidney stones and possibly urinary tract infections, but it’s unlikely that someone would be able to hold it long enough to burst their bladder. Deep vein thrombosis, on the other hand, is much, much riskier. It occurs when a blood clot or multiple blood clots form in the deep veins, most often in your legs.

Sometimes, DVT occurs without any symptoms, but it can also cause pain and swelling. If those clots break loose, though, they can end up in your lungs, blocking the flow of blood in a condition known as pulmonary embolism. It can also be deadly. And while raw-dogging a flight puts passengers at a higher risk of DVT, it can happen to anyone who stays inactive for long periods of time. If you find yourself experiencing a sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that gets worse when you cough or take a deep breath, a rapid pulse or rapid breathing or coughing up blood, seek medical attention immediately. It very well could save your life.

As for those who enjoy less extreme forms of raw-dogging, they’re probably fine. A little weird but fine. Still, let’s just call this what it is. They’re meditating. Or at least trying to.