4 Steps to Deal With Sinus Pressure While Flying
Flying is no less than a nightmare for a patient facing recurrent sinus pressure. High altitude and low pressure during a flight can take a toll on the health of a sinus patient. While frequent flying is not the way to go for a sinus patient, it becomes inevitable for the sake of work and other commitments. Fortunately, a sinus patient need not spend a sleepless night before the flight as there are ways to manage the sinus pressure. The blog post discusses a few methods to manage sinus pressure while flying.
1. Pack a Saline Solution and Decongestant Spray
Low humidity and dry air while flying may increase the sinus pressure and result in nasal congestion. Although a patient is helpless about the climatic factors affecting the sinus cavities during a flight, rinsing the nasal passages with saline solutions can help relieve sinus pressure. Moreover, nasal congestion can be counteracted with over the counter decongestant sprays. Frequent usage of saline solution and decongestants during the flight ensure optimum airflow between the sinus cavities to facilitate better breathing and also help in dealing with the pressure changes during the flight. Most saline solutions and decongestant sprays are available in travel-ready sizes, and a sinus patient can get them after consulting a sinus doctor or ENT specialist.
2. Stay Hydrated
If a person is suffering from recurrent sinusitis, there is more nothing important than keeping the nasal cavities moist during the flight. Sinus infection clogs the nasal passages, resulting in obstruction in mucus drainage leading to pressure build-up inside the sinus cavities. While rinsing and sprays require a person to get up frequently during the flight, drinking water can hydrate the body and the nasal cavities to help relieve sinus pressure.
3. Pop Your Ears or Use Ear Protectors
Sinus pressure causes considerable discomfort in the ear canal during flight. As the flight ascends or descends, the pressure changes inside the cabin can and increases the sinus pressure resulting in headaches and ear pain. Chewing or swallowing when the flight ascends or descends also help in relieving sinus pressure by equalizing it with the pressure inside the cabin. Moreover, using ear protectors help Eustachian tube to regulate ear pressure during the flight.
4. Avoid Alcoholic Beverages
Avoiding alcoholic beverage or beer can seem daunting while flying, yet the most crucial factor in controlling sinus pressure and associated symptoms. Alcoholic beverages and other caffeine rich drinks dehydrate the body along and the sinus cavities. As the sinus cavities dehydrate in the absence of moisture, sinus pressure may build up resulting in headaches and even a discomforting facial pressure. So, instead of reaching out for a glass of wine or a mug of coffee, switching to a glass of water may help in maintaining the sinus pressure and symptoms.
The Bottom Line
Although medications help in relieving sinus pressure during a flight, taking the right ones and following the tips mentioned above can help in dealing with the problem. So, a patient needs to consult an ENT specialist before relying on over the counter medications or decongestants to manage sinus pressure. An ENT specialist is the only person who can prescribe the right medication to treat sinus pressure symptoms and even guide in getting rid of the symptoms for a longer period.