Why the bloating sensation?
The changes in cabin pressure increase the gas production in our guts. As the pressure falls, the air in the intestines expands, causing bloating and discomfort. Abstinence from alcohol, or drinking in moderation, and eating light, especially on long flights, can minimize or prevent problems during flights, and make air travel more enjoyable. Are upper respiratory infections aggravated by air flights? Yes, because upper respiratory tract infection and even allergy may obstruct the eustachian tube, resulting in barotits media (inflammation of middle ear from the increased pressure during flight) or barosinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses in our face around our nose). This is why closed-nose swallowing, frequent yawning, or decongestant nasal spray or antihistamines that reduced clogged nasal passages, are helpful in relieving the increased pressure in our middle ear and sinuses during take off and landing. Why has smoking been banned in most flights? Smoking in an airplane forces all
