Gastrointestinal Distention During Ascent

 

Clinical features:

(1) abdominal distention

(2) abdominal pain

(3) eructation (burping) or flatulence reduces the pain

 

Sources of the gas:

(1) swallowed air (aerophagia)

(2) gas generated in the intestinal tract by bacteria

 

If the pain is significant, then it can often be relieved by descending a few feet and waiting several minutes before resuming the ascent.

 

Prevention:

(1) Avoid aerophagia if possible.

(2) Avoid eating foods that produce gas (like beans).

(3) Avoid diving if a gastrointestinal complaint is present.

(4) Avoid steep head-down descents since this is more likely to increase air swallowing.

 

Interestingly, pilots of the jet-powered German Komet had similar problems. This early jet had an unpressurized cabin and a very rapid rate of climb.