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Aerotoxic syndrome – What is behind the discomfort after flying?

18. June 2025

Aerotoxic syndrome – What is behind the discomfort after flying?

Introduction

Many people feel unusually tired, dizzy or even ill after flying – and not just because of jet lag. One possible trigger for this is the so-called aerotoxic syndrome. Although it is still the subject of controversial debate in conventional medicine, those affected repeatedly report serious symptoms. In this blog post, we explain what the term means, what symptoms can occur and what approaches are available to alleviate them – including the modern method of toxopheresis.

What is aerotoxic syndrome?

Aerotoxic syndrome describes a variety of symptoms that occur in some people after being on an airplane. The trigger is presumably the cabin air that is tapped from the engine area in most commercial aircraft – the so-called “bleed air”. If oil or hydraulic fluids get into the air, ultra-fine particles and toxic substances such as organophosphates can enter the cabin.

Although these substances are released in small quantities, they can lead to health problems for sensitive people or if they are exposed frequently. Airline staff, frequent flyers and sensitive passengers are therefore particularly affected.

Typical symptoms of aerotoxic syndrome

The symptoms are diverse and can vary depending on the duration and intensity of the exposure. The most common symptoms include

• Concentration disorders
• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Breathing problems
• Headaches
• Tiredness and exhaustion
• Irritation of the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, throat)
• Neurological symptoms such as muscle twitching or tingling

As these symptoms can also have many other causes, aerotoxic syndrome is often not recognized or misdiagnosed.

How does aerotoxic syndrome develop? – A look at the possible pathogenesis

The development of aerotoxic syndrome is explained by a combination of toxic exposure and individual sensitivity. Organophosphates in particular – substances that are also found in insecticides – are suspected of impairing the central nervous system. Bioaccumulation is particularly critical here: toxins can accumulate in the body, especially if detoxification processes are disrupted.

Toxopheresis – an innovative approach to detoxification

Toxopheresis is a promising approach to support the body’s own detoxification. This is a medical procedure in which the blood plasma is filtered outside the body. The aim is to specifically remove certain toxic substances from the bloodstream.

Toxopheresis can therefore help to reduce exposure to harmful substances and counteract associated complaints. This procedure is offered by specialized clinics, centers and private practices and can be part of a comprehensive therapy concept that also includes nutrition, exercise and targeted micronutrient administration.

What to do if you suspect aerotoxic syndrome?

If you regularly suffer from the symptoms mentioned above after flights, it is important to take this seriously. The first step is to document possible correlations – such as when and for how long the symptoms occur and how they are related to flights. An individual diagnosis by specialists trained in environmental medicine can help to get to the bottom of the causes.

Conclusion

Aerotoxic syndrome is a phenomenon that still receives little attention, but is a serious one that can affect frequent flyers and flight personnel in particular. Even though the scientific debate is still ongoing, many sufferers report real symptoms that can be improved with targeted measures. Procedures such as toxopheresis show that there are ways to help the body detoxify and regain quality of life.

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