Sinus Pain While Flying? You’re Not Alone!
You would be surprised at how many people face sinus pain during air travel. Flights are already a cause for great anxiety in some and sinus pain makes it so much worse. This blog discusses in detail aerosinusitis and acute sinusitis treatment options.
What is Aerosinusitis?
Sinuses refer to the cavities in your forehead, cheeks, and nose bridge. These spaces are essentially airways for breathing. When these cavities are inflamed and blocked by excessive mucus secretion, the sinuses experience pressure and pain. This condition is termed a sinus infection.
Aerosinusitis or sinus squeeze is when the intra-sinus pressure (pressure inside the sinus cavity) does not measure up to the surrounding environmental pressure. The difference in pressure irritates the mucous lining of the sinus cavity causing pain and discomfort. Usually, the sinus squeeze is most felt in the frontal sinuses, sometimes, the maxillary sinuses are affected as well.
What Causes Sinus Squeeze While Flying?
When an airplane takes off, the body undergoes a change in pressure and elevation. In fact, the air pressure keeps changing throughout the flight.
Your ears and sinuses are supposed to adjust to the external change in pressure. It is when the sinuses are too slow to adjust that the pain occurs, and forceful pressure intensifies. Often aerosinusitis can be indicative of an underlying issue like acute, chronic, or recurrent sinusitis, ear infection, and flu.
Prevention Tips for Aerosinusitis
The best instant hacks to beat sinus squeeze are chewing gum and/or swallowing water during take-off and landing. However, there are other more permanent treatments available too.
Saline Nasal Irrigation
If you have a history of sinus pain during flights, a little preparation beforehand might help. Rinse your nose with saline water for at least 10 days before your flight. Once rinsed, wait for a few minutes and spray an OTC (over-the-counter) nasal steroid. We recommend 10 days because there should be enough time for the medication to work on your nasal passages.
See An ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Doctor
If you start noticing signs of a sinus infection as your travel date inches closer, consider seeing a healthcare professional immediately. A doctor will be able to relieve you of your symptoms and administer acute sinusitis treatments. Don’t ignore your body’s signs and put off the doctor’s visit for later. If it sits untreated, your symptoms will grow more persistent and potentially ruin your trip.
Valsalva Maneuver
The Valsalva maneuver requires you to breathe in and close your mouth. Then you are to pinch your nose and attempt to gently exhale through the pinched nose. Keep your mouth closed and repeat until the pressure subsides.
Other precautionary measures include medication and decongestants.
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Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates, LLC treats ear, nose, and throat conditions through clinical and surgical care. Our physicians design a custom treatment plan to address every issue you have however minute.
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**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.