Sinusitus on flights

[frankofile]

Got a text this morning from back-packing daughter. Having an absolutely splendid time (lucky cow) except is currently on antibiotics for sinusitus (possily due to snorkelling, diving etc) had to endure the worst flight of her life from Australia to NZ. Pain in sinuses unbearable, and already worried about next flight to Fiji, then home. Any advice???

[weggiewabbit]

I get something like this too, though I only ever do 2 or 3 hour flights. It only happens about one time in three, and it�s always on the descent that it occurs. It�s extremely unpleasant!

I don�t have an answer, I�m afraid.

[Eve]

Headphones if her ears are affected, some of those nose breathing strips and an eye mask maybe.

[Clanad]

As a commercial pilot for many years, I find that the malady is frequently experienced by those of us who fly nearly every day. One thing that seems to help and is quite simple is the use of saline spray regularly. It can be purchased in squeeze bottle applicators, has no medication that can cause "rebound effect" and costs less than two dollars U.S. It irrigates the sinus passages and keeps the mucous membranes in a naturally "wet" condition which helps them to produce the mucous necessary for healthy sinuses. The problem that occurs with sinusitis is a small area within the sinus cavities is isolated by swelling mucuous membranes, and ceases to be exposed to oxygen. Oxygen controls the bacteria that inhabits the sinuses. Once the O2 is cut off the bacteria "blooms" and causes the infection to spread. This is one of the reasons a sore throat is always a precursor to sinusitis... the infected mucous drains down the back of the throat causing the pain and redness.

The saline should be used at least once in each nostril every 2 hours... more often is even better. This should be done in private since to be really effective a lot heavy "up-sniffing" is required to get the saline in the areas in the forehead and isn't very pleasant for those witnessing.

At any rate... works for me and many that I know for whom the infection is a work hazard. (The constantly changing pressure irritates the sinuses, cusing them to become inflamed, according to our company Doctor).

[sqad617]

Go the the chemist and get a nasal decongestant spray containing some vasoconstrictor such as ephedrine or oxymetozalone. Plenty to choose from and the chemist will advice. Use every four hours on the flight.

[cove]

I'll tell your daughter you called her a cow. bad, bad parent.

[coccinelle]

Sitting at the front of the plane helps as there's less pressure, NEVER sit at the back. Funnily enough, my first sinus experience was in Australia, I really thought my head was going to explose. The air hostess gave me a eucalyptus sachet to breathe during the descent. I got this sinus problem again in Europe but only if I travelled with Ryanair, like I say I try to get a seat at the front and there isn't a problem.

[Clanad]

Ummm... the pressure is the same throughout the aircraft...

[jno]

has she asked her doctor about this? Oz-NZ is about 2-3 hours. Flying back from Fiji will be nearer 20. It'll be well worth sorting this out before flying again. Given its remoteness from everywhere, I expect NZ doctors would be fairly well up on this sort of thing, since everyone has to fly.

[weggiewabbit]

The idea about sitting near the front I found interesting, because it seems to happen much less often if I sit in the first 7 rows or so. I always reserve a window seat near the front now. It�s worth a try, anyway.