Would be grateful for any tips on the following.
I fly a lot to teach abroad and am sometimes bothered by rather unpleasant symptoms, which I am guessing are caused by the variations in pressure on airplane - when we are beginning to descend, I get a really intense pain in my head and neck, that feels like something is going to explode (I have never had a panic attack but from this kind of experience can understand how people can get very anxious about unusual physical sensations) - this is not relieved by the standard ear unblocking technique of blowing your nose whilst holding nostrils; EFT which is usually great at relieving pain does not seem to make an impact on it, though it helps me keep calm through the 20-30 minutes of intense pain/"exploding head" sensations whilst we are descending/landing.
Any suggestions or ideas to help prevent or relieve these symptoms would be gratefully accepted! (Am writing this in Manchester Airport departure lounge - conveniently, they have 30 min free WiFi access here! :-))
Thanks
Masha
Hi Masha,
I get the same problem and it's caused by the eustachian canal becoming enflamed during the change in pressure. With me, it gets so bad that my nose bleeds on landing.
However, it's possible to get ear drops to relieve the pressure, although I often forget to see my GP before flying off and have not used them as much as I could have.
HTH,
Myarka.
Hi Masha
A bit late to catch you before the flight now! A blocked eustachian tube is usually the result of mucus build-up - very difficult to clear! And in your circumstances very painful, unfortunately. Have you spoken to a Dr or pharmacist?
Using blocked-nose inhalants/sprays to help clear it may make a difference (Olbas products for example). One thing that might help is to avoid dairy products for a couple of weeks to a month before flying in order to reduce mucus build-up.
Hope your trip goes well and the flights are uneventful.
Mine is nothing to do with mucus build up.
Myarka.
Might get shot down for this (as some don't believe in this treatment) but have you tried Ear Candling, it's very good prior to flying and after, worth a go 🙂
One of my friends gets the same thing. She's studying with me on the same course and I know that she doesn't take anything pharmaceutical except under duress. I've just got an email back from her asking what she does and this is what she says:
"Forget messing about with anything else, just get the decongestant Sudafed. Begin taking it 24 hours prior to the flight as per instructions written on the box. Also buy a nasal decongestant spray (I've tried Vicks Sinex and Sudafed). Use the spray 15 minutes before the plane takes off, and again 45 minutes before it is scheduled to land. During descent, you can also gently blow with your nose plugged and your mouth closed. Hope that helps! Anne OX"
She also said to try reducing the amount of milk and meat you consume at least two days before your flight. And not to drink/eat any milky foods during the flight. Which is echoing what CarolineN is saying.
Anyway, hope Anne's advice helps.
Ava x
I also get horrific sinus pain when I fly - mine manifests itself around my eyes and forehead so I don't think it is my eustacian tube. It seems to be very random and sometimes I get it and sometimes I don't. This holiday I did. I could barely walk when I got off the plane I was in such pain and I agree it is very frightening.
Previous suggestions have been sucking sweets, holding nose and swallowing and nasal spray. Not sure if it works, but let's just say I didn't get the pain when I did all of this about 1/2 and hour before landing.
Ear candling is also supposed to be effective but not tried this yet.
It is a bit reassuring to know that I am not the only one who thinks their head is about to explode when the are coming in to land - not that I would wish it on anyone!
Hi Masha,
I get the same problem and it's caused by the eustachian canal becoming enflamed during the change in pressure. With me, it gets so bad that my nose bleeds on landing.
However, it's possible to get ear drops to relieve the pressure, although I often forget to see my GP before flying off and have not used them as much as I could have.
HTH,
Myarka.
I think it's due to the changes in presure too Myarka. If it was due to mucus build up then surely there would be loss of balance too?? but I've never had this with flying. Your ear drops idea sounds good.:045:
Thanks a lot for the ideas everyone, am flying back from Moscow early tomorrow morning - unfortunately don't have any of your suggested remedies handy with me but will try things out before my next flight (Almaty in October!)
Masha