Travel Glossary

What is Gas Expansion?

Gas expansion is the discomfort caused by the expansion of air in the body cavities due to certain factors. The gas expansion puts pressure on the stomach and intestines, causing pain. It is a common problem, which can be confused with bloating but the bloating is caused by nutrients that are not well digested in the intestines. 

If you are experiencing gas problems on flights, you can avoid gas pains by paying attention to several points. 

How Does it Occur?

Gas expansion in the aircraft occurs as a result of the changes in cabin pressure and it causes a gas expansion in the body's cavities as well as the changes in cabin pressure. Consuming carbon dioxide, drinks or vegetables causing gas while traveling can cause a gas expansion in the body. Gas expansion, especially in long-haul flights, can lead to unwanted gas emissions. And gas pains can be a lot more disturbing than one assumes. Particularly infants may be exposed to gas expansion due to the low cabin pressure. You can consult a professional about gas problems for infants.

If You're Experiencing Gas and Swelling Problems on Flights, Pay Attention to These

If you are experiencing gas and swelling problems on flights, you must first minimize the gas expansion in your body. While the expanding gas tends to go out easily during takeoff, it is more difficult to get the expanding gas out during landing. You can minimize gas expansion by making swallowing, chewing and stretching moves when the plane is landing. 

How to Prevent Gas and Bloating While Traveling

Gas problems are quite common and can be annoying for everybody. With a few steps to be taken before flying, you can avoid gas and bloating problems.

• Lighten your meals on days of your flight. Eat seasonal vegetables mainly and avoid consuming foods that can cause gas and intestinal problems.
• Drink a glass of lemon water before you fly.
• Take a walk and make stretching moves while waiting for your plane.
• Stay away from caffeine and fizzy drinks before and during the flight. 
• On long flights, always take a walk on the aisle and stretch.
• Choose foods with heavy probiotics on the day of the flight.
• Stay away from very fatty and salty foods on the day of your flight.
• If you are taking medication for your digestive problems, take them with you on the day of the flight.
• Stay away from carbohydrate and carbon dioxide-rich foods and beverages on the day of the flight.