A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, occurs when the air-filled pockets in your skull, called sinuses, become inflamed due to fluid buildup. This inflammation commonly leads to symptoms such as painful pressure in the cheeks and forehead, thick nasal discharge, and a cough. Flying with such an infection can exacerbate these uncomfortable symptoms. This article explores the effects of air pressure on sinuses, potential health risks, and strategies for managing symptoms during flights.
How Air Pressure Affects Sinuses
Changes in cabin air pressure, especially during takeoff and landing, directly impact the air trapped within your sinuses. Normally, the air pressure inside your sinuses and ears equalizes with the surrounding cabin pressure. However, when sinuses are inflamed or blocked due to an infection, this equalization process is hindered.
The inability of air to flow freely in and out of the sinus cavities creates a pressure imbalance. This imbalance can lead to significant pain and discomfort in the face, ears, and head. The phenomenon is often referred to as sinus squeeze, barosinusitis, or aerosinusitis.
Potential Health Risks
Flying with a sinus infection carries several potential health risks beyond discomfort. A primary risk is barotrauma, which is tissue damage caused by pressure differences. This can affect both the ears and sinuses.
Ear barotrauma, also called airplane ear, can result in ear pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and temporary hearing loss. In more severe cases, it could potentially lead to eardrum rupture or fluid buildup in the middle ear. Sinus barotrauma can cause sharp pain in the forehead, cheeks, or around the eyes, and sometimes even nosebleeds. Less common, the infection can spread to other areas, such as the ear, or in rare cases, lead to complications like a brain abscess or meningitis if left untreated.
What to Do Before and During Your Flight
It is best to avoid flying with a sinus infection until symptoms clear, as air pressure changes can worsen pain and pressure. However, if flying is unavoidable, several strategies can help manage symptoms. Before your flight, consider using oral or topical decongestants 30 minutes to an hour before takeoff; these can help reduce swelling in nasal passages and promote drainage.
During the flight, consider these strategies:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help thin mucus.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine to prevent dehydration.
- Chew gum, suck on candy, or yawn and swallow frequently to help open the eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the nose, aiding in pressure equalization.
- Try the Valsalva maneuver by gently blowing air out of your nose while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut.
Avoid flying if you have severe pain, fever, or recently underwent sinus surgery. If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by new issues like changes in vision, consult a doctor before flying. A healthcare professional can assess your condition and provide guidance on whether it is safe to fly or if postponing travel is a better option.