Turkey-hangover. Mashed-potato-belly. Uncle Joe’s green bean casserole. There is often something to lessen the many joys of the holidays. If you’re prone to sinusitis, air travel is one of them. Anyone who has experienced an airplane sinus infection can tell you, it’s an agonizing experience. When the airplane ascends or descends, the air pressure changes rapidly, and the air inside and outside of your head has to equalize. If your sinuses are blocked, the pressure can’t equalize, and your head is essentially squeezed by the air pressure building up around it. This is extremely painful, and can even lead to a ruptured eardrum if you experience it repeatedly in a short period of time (i.e., you have several connecting flights).
Flying with sinusitis is unpleasant, and, to add insult to injury, flying itself can lead to sinusitis. The circulated air is typically stale, with a high concentration of viruses and bacteria. Additionally, the low humidity in airplanes can irritate the sensitive mucous membranes of the sinuses. So even if you don’t have a sinus infection on your outgoing flight, you may have one on your return trip.
- Using a saline rinse during flight
- Drinking plenty of water
- Taking a decongestant before you go, to keep your nasal passages clear
It is best to avoid airplanes if you already have a sinus infection, but if you must travel you may be able to keep the pressure down by:
- Chewing gum
- Swallowing frequently during take-off and landing
- Using decongestants
- Performing the Valsalva Manuver—holding your nose gently closed and exhaling through an open mouth
Need more tips on how to keep your sinuses clear this holiday season and prevent an airplane sinus infection? Don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Frequently Asked Questions
Flying causes rapid changes in air pressure during ascent and descent, which requires equalization of pressure inside and outside your sinuses. If your sinuses are blocked, this equalization can't occur, leading to painful pressure buildup. Additionally, the stale air, low humidity, and high concentration of viruses and bacteria on airplanes can irritate sinus membranes and promote infections.
To prevent sinus infections during flights, use saline rinses to keep nasal passages moist, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and consider taking decongestants before your trip to keep your sinuses clear. These measures help reduce irritation and blockages that can lead to infection.
If flying with a sinus infection is unavoidable, try to keep sinus pressure down by chewing gum, swallowing frequently, using decongestants, and performing the Valsalva Maneuver (gently holding your nose closed and exhaling through your mouth) during takeoff and landing. These actions help equalize pressure and reduce pain.
The Valsalva Maneuver involves gently closing your nose and exhaling through your open mouth. This technique helps to open the Eustachian tubes and equalize pressure between the inside of your head and the external air pressure, reducing sinus and ear pain during altitude changes.
Low humidity on airplanes dries out the mucous membranes in your sinuses, making them more sensitive and prone to irritation. Dry sinuses can become inflamed more easily, increasing the risk of sinus infections and discomfort during flights.
Repeatedly flying with blocked or infected sinuses can cause severe pressure buildup, which may lead to complications such as ruptured eardrums. This is especially common when taking several connecting flights in a short timespan without managing sinus pressure properly.
Flying while you have a sinus infection can worsen pressure-related pain and increase the risk of complications. The changes in air pressure and dry airplane environment can exacerbate inflammation and discomfort, making the flight experience more agonizing and potentially prolonging recovery.