painful airplane rides

[amoeba]

on 3-4 occassions I have felt a very painful sensation above my right eye when the airplane is in the process of landing. The pain is very much like a long needle piercing through my head into the back of my eye (at the same time it feels as if a blood vessle will burst at any second). Question is why?? whats happening? Is/could it cause damage and how can I avoide it? I know it must have something to do with air pressure - but still - I dont think its normal. thanks

[sft42]

How far above your right eye? When was the last time you had an eye test? This could be a build up of fluid pressure in the eye and this if it develops into glaucoma can lead to blindness...it may not be this at all but don't ignore this go to the doctor and be insistant that he runs some test to find out the cause(s).

[woofgang]

sft42 is right, better safe than sorry, but this could also be sinus pain. I have experienced something very similar when flying with hay fever.

[rja211077]

yeah i've had this, i think it must be to do with my sinuses - i think i only get it when i've got a cold. it's scary though. i thought i was going to die the first time. it's one of the most painful things i've ever experienced.

[sjb]

It is sinus pain. You sinuses are air pockets above and below your eys, they are connected to the top of your nasel passage by small tubes. If these tubes are blocked or the inside of your sinus cavities are tender (i.e. due to infection or a cold) they tend to stick together when the air pressure in them drops. This happens as the aircraft cabin pressure reduces at altitude. When the aircraft decends and the cabin pressure increases the pain is caused by the sinus walls 'unsticking' and can be very painful. I spent 14 yrs as an instrumentaion engineer flight testing aircraft and I suffered with this problem on many occations. The cure is to be as healthy as possible, suck a menthol sweet during the flight to keep the airways open. Hope that helps !

[Jazz]

I have suffered the exact same thing for years. I learned about Thermo Auricular Treatment and have never looked back! This is an ancient remedy that involves burning a pre-prepared herbal candle in each ear (in turn). The candle releases fumes that flow through the ear channels and extract any "badness". I can seriously recommend this but only through a trained specialist. Do NOT try this yourself.