A: Sinus problems are bad enough with normal, weather-related, barometric pressure changes. On an airplane, the pressure changes are much faster, and can be quite painful. Most people think of ear problems related to flying, but sinus pain results from a similar problem. Like the ears, the sinuses have small drainage pathways into the nose which allow pressure changes in our environment to move in and out of the sinuses. This usually occurs during the beginning or end of the flight, during the extreme altitude changes.
The pressure changes that occur during this time cause rapid changes in the air pressure and balance of your ear, which can cause the condition. The condition can be triggered by the common cold, sinus infections, and ear infections, and in rare cases could lead to hearing loss or chronic tinnitus. The main symptoms that you might notice on a flight if you are experiencing airplane ear include:.
Check with your doctor to learn more about when it is safe to travel and how to avoid complications when flying with an ear infection or sinusitis. Some of the ways you can avoid airplane ear and other discomforts associated with air travel and cabin pressure include:. The eustachian tube function is to equalize the pressure in the air behind your eardrum with the air around you.
Because of inflammation or infection, swelling around the tube will occur causing the tube to not function properly. Air pressure is not able to equalize behind the eardrum, causing ear pain as the eardrum adjusts to the abnormal pressure changes. When the pressure equalizes behind the eardrum, we frequently say that the ears have popped.
Normally when the plane is taking off and ascending, ear pain is not a problem because air can easily escape from behind the eardrum, through the eustachian tube, and into the throat.
However, when the plane descends, air must be forced through the congested eustachian tube into the area behind the eardrum, which can be more difficult. Therefore, ear pain will almost always be experienced on descent if there is any problem at all.
Second, when the nose is congested, the passageways between the nose and the sinus cavities can be swollen as well. Once again, it may be very difficult to equalize pressure between the sinuses and the nose when descending, leading to sinus pain.
In order to maximize the ability of the eustachian tube and sinus passageways to work, we will give you a few helpful hints:. We hope this information helps you with your problem with flying. Our goal is to keep you well informed about this problem so that you may avoid the discomfort that is associated with it. In the most severe case, this may lead to a permanent decrease in your hearing, prolonged dizziness, or severe pain.
Most patients who experience a decrease in hearing associated with severe pain after a plane flight have a readily reversible hearing loss and should be seen by an otolaryngologist ENT within several days of the event, as this makes it easier to correct the problem. Testimonials What Our Patients are Saying Those who already deal with sinus issues, in particular, may find flying makes things worse.
Below are some tips to help prevent sinus problems and minimize the damaging effects flying can have on your health:. Contact our office today.
Find the relief you deserve, so you can be free to roam.
0コメント