The real reason you feel unwell on planes – and why ginger ale DOESN’T always work
TRAVEL experts have revealed the real reason why passengers feel sick while flying and get an “airplane belly”.
Motion sickness is common when travelling by air and can spoil the start of your holiday.
Feeling sick on a plane is never an ideal situation – but with limited resources and tight space, it becomes even harder to remediate.
Many passengers experience what experts call an airplane belly – an unusual feeling of bloatedness in your gut.
While it may not be too serious for most passengers, it could still create a sense of discomfort, and can potentially ruin your entire journey.
Dr Lisa Ganjhu, a seasoned gastroenterologist at NYU, revealed why passengers feel bloated on airplanes.
She told Thrillist: “Alcohol, carbonated beverages, fatty foods—all of those things slow down gastric motility and you’re kind of trapped in a small little seat there.”
Dr Ganjhu argued that since flight passengers are forced to fit in a small seat for long durations, their bodies do not move much – and the gas inside your gut remains trapped, causing a general sense of discomfort.
The export advised people to over overly fatty, fried, bready, carbonated, sugary, and alcoholic foods before a flight.
A handy medicine to carry in such situations is simethicone which helps to dissolve the gas a little bit.
Ginger ale is another quick and popular remedy that can help with the problem.
However, Dr Ganjhu explained that drinking Ginger ale will not work if it is carbonated – and will only create more gas and make you feel like a hot air balloon.
If you’re feeling nauseous on a flight, there are several ways to curb the symptoms.
Dr Danielle Qing, an internal medicine specialist at Mount Sinai, said passengers should never walk around a plane or stand up if they’re feeling sick.
Dr Qing advised travellers to stay seated instead, as it helps to keep their centre of gravity low.
“Keep your head down and eyes closed. Having your centre of gravity a little lower can help you feel less dizzy,” she explained.
It is also recommended to avoid looking at screens – try to fall asleep instead.
If you struggle to sleep, then opt for an audio book or podcast to replace visual entertainment.
And if you are sitting next to a window, look out into the horizon and keep your head still.
Cabin air can also be extremely dry and cause dehydration which is why drinking plenty of water is important even if you’re not unwell.
But in cases of nausea or stomach sickness, dehydration can even worsen your symptoms.
Dr Daniel Chandler told the HuffPost: “Sometimes dizziness is just a version of motion sickness, but sometimes it can be from dehydration, too.
“Particularly if you had alcohol, take in some extra water.”
Doctors also recommend eating a little bit of food to stop queasiness.
When feeling sick, food might be the last thing that you’d want – but in some cases it can actually help.
A small amount of bland food could take away some of the nausea, experts say.
If you experience vomiting or diarrhoea, then go for the BRAT diet – banana, rice, applesauce and toast.
But even a little bit of crackers or bread could go a long way in curing the nausea.
If nothing works, take medicine such as Dramamine to help with motion sickness.
As a last resort, you could always ask flight attendants for their assistance.
They are highly trained and often have behind-the-counter medicine available for passengers.
In some cases, they will be able to designate a toilet for you to use for the duration of the flight.
The plane crew often deal with travellers who experience motion sickness and even have their own tips to fight the symptoms.
One flight attendant shared that placing a cold, wet towel on the neck can be useful.
Another flight attendant added: “Turn the air on them – cold air lowers the risk of airsickness which is why planes are kept on the cooler side.
Seven tips to cure queasiness
Experts have shared seven tips that can be used on a plane if you have motion sickness.
- Avoid looking at screens
Stare into horizon if you’re next to the window or sleep instead. - Stay hydrated
Better opt for water than carbonated drinks - Try to eat a little food
Bland food like bread or crackers could take away some of the nausea - Take medicine
Dramamine is known to ease motion sickness - Stay seated
Keeping centre of gravity low proves helpful - Ask flight attendant for help
They’re highly trained, have medicine and can designate a toilet for you if necessary - Avoid flying when sick if possible
If you experience symptoms before boarding the plane, try to postpone travelling until you’re better.