The effects of flying on bloating and trapped wind written in association with consultant psychologist Dr Glenn Wilson

According to BAA, in 2008 nearly 146 million UK passengers took to the skies, showing air travel is still the transport of choice for longer journeys. Today, flying is so common that we give little thought to getting on a plane, and rarely do we stop and think about what happens to our body as we are taken up to 30,000ft and back.

Health conditions linked to flying, such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), have had a lot of press attention in recent years. However, there’s one condition that, although everyone suffers from, is painful and easily remedied, has been kept firmly off the radar until now: trapped wind.
Now, consultant psychologist Dr Glenn Wilson say’s “it’s high time we recognize this natural side-effect to air travel, stop feeling embarrassed by flatulence, and start following a few simple guidelines to make the skies a friendly place to fly once again”.

What causes wind?
Wind is a totally natural bi-product of the digestive process. As we digest our food and drink, the bacteria in our intestines produce gas. Most gas is actually used by other intestinal bacteria and some is absorbed into the bloodstream but when an excess is produced, it will get caught in the twists and turns of our digestive tract causing painful bloating and trapped wind. When this happens, the body will need to expel the excess gas as soon as possible.
So what’s the link between flying and this uncomfortable, and embarrassing, health problem? As planes climb higher in altitude the inner cabin pressure will decrease: which is what causes our ears to “pop”. This same decrease in air pressure also causes the body to produce excess intestinal gas making trapped wind an inevitable outcome.

Why the red face?
Acclaimed psychologist Dr Glenn Wilson explains why flatulence is still such a taboo subject: “Society teaches us strict rules around basic bodily functions which we learn from infancy and which put down very deep roots in our psyches.
“In western culture passing wind can be a source of extreme embarrassment and discomfort, although belching is considered on the whole ‘more acceptable’ than flatulence. The sense of unease and humiliation felt by a person when they need to pass wind is multiplied dramatically in a confined space, such as an airplane. Here, they are being kept in close contact with their peer group over a long period with no where to ‘run and hide’.
“Feelings of anxiety will trigger the primal ‘fight or flight’ response in us, and in extreme cases, some people could find passing wind in this situation so distressing that they become traumatized; experiencing a deep emotional reaction to the memory of the event for years to come.”
So how can you stop your flight from ruining your travel experience or possibly even worse?

Top 5 In-Flight Tips
Obviously, there’s nothing you can do to control cabin pressure but you can take simple steps to minimise the amount of gas you produce and to deal with any excess formed:
• DON’T OVEREAT: avoid the temptation to eat everything you’re offered during the flight. Ask yourself whether you are actually hungry or whether you’re simply eating to pass the time.
• KNOW THE TRIGGERS: fizzy soft drinks, beer and coffee all cause wind. Pulses, peas, onions, garlic and artichokes are equally hard to digest.
• RELAX: stress aggravates the stomach lining causing bloating and discomfort. Try deep breathing, visualizing something positive, or distracting yourself with music or a good book if you’re feeling under pressure.
• STAY LOOSE: make sure you wear loose, comfortable clothing during the flight which won’t restrict your digestion, your breathing or your movements.
• TAKE WINDSETLERS: For effective relief, take easy-to-swallow WindSetlers gel capsules. The activated dimeticone in WindSetlers breaks down excess bubbles of gas so they can be passed naturally. WindSetlers are available from Boots, priced from £1.46 for a pack of 8. Always read the label.