Decoding the feeling of headache when flying

Some people get severe headaches when flying because of acute sinusitis, a result of sudden pressure changes, also known as barotrauma.

Illustration: mirgin.

A 30-year-old woman told Health Sina that every time she flies, she experiences severe pain in her right face and forehead, especially when the plane lands. Due to her job, she often flies, so she takes painkillers but her condition does not improve. She goes to the doctor and has an X-ray of her sinuses, and discovers that her right maxillary sinus has fluid accumulation. Doctors diagnosed the patient with acute sinusitis caused by pressure injuries, also known as barotrauma.

Increased pressure during descent aggravates the condition.

When the hot air balloon was first invented, engineers who were riding in the hot air balloon often suffered from severe headaches when descending. After the invention of airplanes, pilots also suffered from headaches when descending. Neurologist Dr. Chen Jian Zhi believes that people with allergic rhinitis are at risk of developing barotrauma.

Taking an antihistamine before flying may reduce symptoms.

When the plane climbs, the air pressure drops, and the air in the sinuses is released into the sinuses. Conversely, when the plane descends, the air pressure increases, causing the sinus mucosa to swell, blocking the sinuses, causing sinus leakage, which can rupture blood vessels and block the sinuses.

Dr. Chen said that to avoid these symptoms, before boarding the plane, you can take antihistamines or nasal mucosal shrinkage drugs to reduce symptoms.

New allergic rhinitis control solves the problem at its root

To completely cure the above symptoms, the best way is to completely treat allergic rhinitis. Patients can have laser surgery on the nose combined with nasal spray. Dr. Chen advises that when symptoms appear, people should see a doctor for treatment. Otherwise, it will lead to increased symptoms, fear leading to stroke and other serious complications.

According to VNE