A sharp head pain during airplane landings is common. This sensation is often called “airplane ear” or “ear barotrauma,” and can also manifest as an “aerobarotrauma headache” when affecting the sinuses. While the experience can be intense, it is typically a temporary discomfort that resolves shortly after landing.
Understanding the Pressure Imbalance
The primary reason for sharp head pain during plane landings stems from a rapid change in atmospheric pressure. As an aircraft descends, the air pressure inside the cabin increases, creating an imbalance with the air pressure within the air-filled cavities of the head. This pressure difference most commonly affects the middle ear, connected to the back of the nose and throat by a narrow passage called the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube’s role is to equalize air pressure on both sides of the eardrum.
During descent, the external cabin pressure rises faster than the air pressure can equalize within the middle ear, causing the eardrum to be pushed inward. This stress on the eardrum leads to fullness, discomfort, or pain, a condition known as barotrauma. When the pressure imbalance extends to the paranasal sinuses, air-filled spaces within the bones of the face and skull, it can result in a “sinus barotrauma” or “airplane headache.” This occurs because the air inside the sinuses cannot equalize with the increasing cabin pressure, leading to pain, often localized in the frontal or orbital regions.
Several factors can exacerbate this pressure differential and increase the likelihood of experiencing pain. Conditions that block the Eustachian tubes or sinus passages, such as a common cold, sinus infection, or allergies, are significant contributors. Swollen membranes in the nose and throat can obstruct these passages, making it difficult for air to move freely and equalize pressure. Individuals with pre-existing congestion are more susceptible to intense pain during a plane’s descent.
Strategies for Relief During Flights
To counteract pressure changes, several techniques can help equalize air within the ears and sinuses. One recommended method is the Valsalva maneuver, which involves gently blowing air out of the nose while pinching the nostrils shut and keeping the mouth closed. This action helps to force air into the Eustachian tubes, encouraging them to open and balance the pressure. Repeating this maneuver, especially during descent, can provide significant relief.
Other actions can also stimulate the muscles that open the Eustachian tubes. Yawning widely or swallowing frequently are effective ways to achieve this equalization. Chewing gum or sucking on hard candies encourages more frequent swallowing, which helps maintain balanced pressure throughout descent. Staying hydrated throughout the flight can also prevent mucous membranes from drying out, helping the Eustachian tubes function properly.
For frequent discomfort, preventative measures can be beneficial. Nasal decongestant sprays used 30-60 minutes before takeoff and landing can reduce swelling in nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, aiding equalization. Oral decongestants, taken 30-60 minutes before the flight, can also reduce congestion, but consult a doctor if you have conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure.
Specialized earplugs, like those with filters, can regulate the rate of pressure change in the ear canal, easing strain on the eardrum. Remaining awake during descent is also advisable, as being alert allows for active participation in these techniques.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
While airplane ear pain is often temporary, seeking medical advice is important in some instances. Consult a healthcare professional if discomfort, fullness, or muffled hearing persists for more than a few days after landing, or if symptoms are severe. Symptoms such as severe pain, increased ear pressure, significant hearing loss, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), or a spinning sensation (vertigo) warrant prompt medical attention.
Bleeding or fluid discharge from the ear also requires immediate evaluation, as these can indicate serious issues like a ruptured eardrum. Discuss recurrent, debilitating pain during flights, or underlying conditions like chronic sinus issues, frequent colds, or allergies, with a doctor. A medical professional can assess the situation, identify contributing factors, and recommend management strategies or treatments for safer, more comfortable air travel.