Can air travel affect diverticulitis?

Are you a frequent flyer? Do you have diverticulitis and worried about air travel affecting it? Fear not, my friend! In this article, we will explore the relationship between air travel and diverticulitis.

What is Diverticulitis?

Before delving into the topic of how air travel can affect diverticulitis, let’s first understand what diverticulitis actually is. Diverticulitis refers to inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) present in the walls of your intestine. These pouches are usually harmless but can become infected or inflamed due to stool getting trapped in them.

Some common symptoms of diverticular disease include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

The Connection Between Air Travel And Diverticular Disease

Now that we know what exactly divirtucilatris… diverstractus… DIVERTICULITIS is (phew!), let’s discuss how it ties in with air travel. So does flying increase your risk for getting an attack of diverticuloserosis….whatever?? It really depends on several factors such as:

1. Dehydration

Dehydration can trigger health problems like asthma attacks and headaches during flight. Similarly, if you’re suffering from any gastrointestinal diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or drum roll please– YOU KNOW WHO – then dehydration could exacerbate those conditions too!

2. Limited Movement

Airplanes are not quite known for providing ample legroom space now are they?! Sitting still for extended periods can lead to tension building up inside our bodies which oftentimes leads us to remain clench…and feel uptight&nervous.. by golly!!! This tension within our bodies can potentially cause problems like constipation, heartburn, and generalized abdominal discomfort which are often included in the list of symptoms seen with diverticular disease.

3. Pressurized Cabin

The air pressure inside an airplane’s cabin can also play a role in irritating your gut lining! Yesiree bob!! The lowered air pressure at altitudes reached by aircraft could cause gas expansion due to less atmospheric pressure on your body. This might not sound too overwhelming however for people with digestive problems such as diverticulitis it could lead to more severe abdominal pain or bloating that will keep ya squirming for sure!

4. Changes In Dietry Habits

Hey wait just one minute there sparky – aren’t you use to plane food tasting like cardboard?! Most people avoid eating during long flights because they’re terrified of being stuck without access to enclosed toilets…and who likes being watched taking care of business??!!! Am I right guys??? Yet one major aspect is how these adjustments affect our normal dietary patterns – this change MAY AFFECT PEOPLE WITH DIVERTICULITIS even more than non-sufferers (cause the world revolves solely around them?!). Drastic changes in diet from consuming an airline dinner tray sprinkled with relish packs and saltine crackers versus dinner at grandma’s house can put additional strain on digestion functioning leading to multiple health issues, including -“you guessed it folks!”- divirter-doodle-DIVERTICULITIS flare ups!

Preventative Measures To Minimize Risk When Flying With Diverticulitis

While flying isn’t ideal for anyone suffering from any gastrointestinal disorder, there ARE things we recommend providing some relief during those anxious cross country flights!!

Here are some tips:

  • Drink plenty o’ water — Your mom was right! Dehydration only compounds existing medical conditions so stay hydrated throughout your trip.
    • Take occasional walks up and down the aisle of the plane (When seatbelt sign isn’t illuminated)
    • Engage in some light airport yoga before departure- It’s sure to get those stomach muscles moving!
    • Pack your own food for air travel – No saltines needed here baby. Spicy, acidic and fatty foods can cause indigestion and worsen any existing gastrointestinal issues.

So there you have it! (WHEW chugging up that hill was tough!) Although there is no concrete way to avoid risk of developing diverticular flare ups on a flight, by following these easy tips mentioned above, we hope your travels will become easier…or at least prevent poopy situations from arising- who wants THAT attention?! So go ahead— take off with confidence knowing what risky factors may lead to digestive inflammation when reaching reachin’ ya final destination without such “emergencies” as bloating or pancreatitis – we’re lookin’ at YOU guy with strip mall sushi stuck behind braces!! Safe Travels Folks!

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