Frequent airplane cabin gas emissions: An explanation - Frequent urges to use the lavatory during flights explained
In the enclosed and pressurized environment of an airplane cabin, passengers may find themselves more prone to experiencing flatulence than they would on the ground. This is primarily due to the reduced cabin pressure at high altitudes, which causes the gases in the intestines to expand and increase the urge to pass gas [1].
At cruising altitude, the cabin pressure is typically equivalent to what is found at 6,000-8,000 feet above sea level. This lower pressure compared to ground level causes intestinal gases to expand, leading to more frequent and noticeable flatulence during flights [1]. Additionally, the confined space and recycled, dry air in airplane cabins may exacerbate these effects [1].
To help manage or reduce this issue during flights, several measures are recommended:
- Avoid gas-inducing foods and beverages: Foods such as beans, onions, broccoli, lentils, kale, red meat, carbonated drinks, coffee, and tea can contribute to bloating and intestinal gas [2][4]. Opt for lighter, blander foods instead.
- Stay hydrated: Drink bottled water rather than coffee or tea made from onboard tanks, which may have hygiene issues and can contribute to stomach discomfort [4].
- Move around: If possible, move around during longer flights to help promote digestion and gas movement.
- Consider over-the-counter remedies: Simethicone-based products may help reduce gas buildup [3].
Turkish Airlines offers additional tips, such as drinking herbal tea instead of caffeine and eating and drinking slowly to avoid swallowing too much air.
If none of these measures prove effective, gastroenterologist Birgit Terjung suggests walking up and down the aisle more often and massaging the belly to relieve pressure. In extreme cases, her advice is to "let it go, just do it" [12].
It's also worth noting that the air in an airplane is exchanged every two to three minutes with fresh and filtered air [7]. Airbus does not consider the use of activated carbon in seats necessary due to the advanced cabin air circulation [8]. However, a US study has shown that activated carbon can effectively neutralize fart odors [9].
References:
- Flatulence on Airplanes: Causes and Solutions
- Foods to Avoid Before Flying to Prevent Discomfort
- Over-the-Counter Remedies for Flatulence
- Hydration Tips for Flying
- Turkish Airlines' Tips for Preventing Flatulence on Flights
- Danish Study on Farting on Airplanes
- Airbus Engineer Discusses Airplane Cabin Air Circulation
- Airbus on the Use of Activated Carbon in Seats
- US Study on Activated Carbon's Effectiveness in Neutralizing Fart Odors
- Gastroenterologist's Advice on Foods to Avoid Before Flying
- Gastroenterologist's Advice on Alcohol and Flatulence
- Gastroenterologist's Final Advice on Flatulence on Airplanes
In light of the increased urge to pass gas during flights due to lower cabin pressure and confined spaces, I'm not sure if the science behind the effectiveness of drinking herbal tea for reducing flatulence has been thoroughly evaluated in the field of health-and-wellness. Furthermore, while fitness-and-exercise might not directly help reduce flatulence, maintaining a regular exercise routine before a flight could aid digestion and potentially eliminate the need to discuss this topic mid-air.
