Air travel can sometimes cause headaches. This common experience, though often temporary, can range from a dull ache to intense pain, disrupting the comfort of a flight. Understanding the factors that contribute to these headaches can help travelers prepare for their journeys.
Understanding Why Flight Headaches Happen
Headaches during flights often stem from the unique environment of an airplane cabin, particularly changes in barometric pressure. As an aircraft ascends and descends, the pressure inside the cabin fluctuates, creating a difference between the air pressure outside the body and the air within the sinuses. This pressure differential can lead to a condition known as sinus barotrauma, where tissues in the sinuses may become inflamed and painful.
The cabin pressure in an airplane is typically maintained at an altitude equivalent to 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level, which is lower than ground level pressure. This reduced pressure can also cause ear popping or pain as the pressure changes during takeoff and landing.
Another contributing factor is the dry air within the cabin, which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can trigger headaches, and the low humidity on an airplane can exacerbate this effect. Furthermore, the slightly lower oxygen levels at cabin altitude can play a role for some individuals.
Pre-existing conditions such as chronic sinusitis or a history of migraines can make individuals more susceptible to flight-related headaches. A specific phenomenon, sometimes called “airplane headache” or “flight headache,” is characterized by unilateral, stabbing pain, often in the orbito-frontal region, lasting under 30 minutes, and occurring during ascent or descent. This type of headache is thought to be related to sinus barotrauma.
Strategies to Prevent Headaches While Flying
Proactive measures can reduce the likelihood of experiencing headaches during air travel. Staying well-hydrated is a primary strategy; drinking plenty of water before and throughout your flight helps counteract the dehydrating effects of dry cabin air. Limit or avoid dehydrating beverages like alcohol and excessive caffeine, which contribute to fluid loss.
Managing sinus and ear pressure is another important preventative step. Using a nasal decongestant spray, such as oxymetazoline, 30-60 minutes before takeoff and again before descent, can help keep nasal passages clear and facilitate pressure equalization. Techniques like chewing gum, yawning, or swallowing can help open the Eustachian tubes, allowing air to move freely between the middle ear and the back of the throat, thus equalizing pressure. The Valsalva maneuver, gently exhaling while pinching your nostrils shut and keeping your mouth closed, can also be effective.
For individuals who frequently experience flight headaches, consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers proactively. A dose of ibuprofen, for example, within 24 hours prior to the flight may help prevent altitude-related headaches. Consulting with a healthcare provider about appropriate medication and timing is always recommended, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications.
Relief During and After Your Flight
If a headache develops despite preventive efforts, several strategies can offer relief during and after your flight. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed, can help manage the pain. Applying a cold compress to the forehead or temples may also provide soothing relief. Some individuals find a warm compress helpful for muscle tension headaches.
Resting in a reclined position, if possible, can alleviate headache symptoms. Ensuring continued hydration by sipping water throughout the flight remains important, even if a headache has already started. After landing, prioritize rest and continue to drink fluids to aid recovery. Monitoring your symptoms post-flight can help you understand if the headache is resolving or if it persists, which might warrant further attention.
When to Consult a Doctor
While most flight-related headaches are temporary, seeking professional medical attention is appropriate in certain circumstances. If headaches are consistently severe, debilitating, or last for an extended period after your flight, consult a healthcare provider. Similarly, if headaches are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as significant changes in vision, numbness, weakness in any part of the body, or difficulty speaking, immediate medical evaluation is recommended. Recurrent headaches with every flight that significantly interfere with your ability to travel comfortably or affect your daily life should also prompt a discussion with a doctor.