Sinus pain on flights

[bigplan415]

Hi, I'm really excited to be going back to WDW next week but I'm getting worried about the flights as I often get terrible pains in my face, head and neck during descent, sometimes accompanoed by a streaming nose. I assume this is due to air pressure changes in sinuses. Has anybody else suffered from this and found a way to prevent it?

[Guest]

I have suffered with this in the past and it can be excruciating - so you have my complete sympathy. I take a small packet of hankies and a little bottle of olbas oil or Karvol capsules. Put a spot of olbas oil / Karvol on the tissue and hold to your nose. If I find it is feeling extra stuffy I ask the stewardess to put my olbas tissue in a small cup with a splash of boiling water and it works a treat.

I also clear my ears a lot. Close mouth, pinch nose, close eyes tightly and breathe out whilst holding your breath gently until both ears pop as they equalise. I do it all through the flight not just when I feel the need and it helped my sinuses too.

[WillSa6]

Originally Posted by FamilyGWales

I have suffered with this in the past and it can be excruciating - so you have my complete sympathy. I take a small packet of hankies and a little bottle of olbas oil or carvol capsules. Putva spot of olbas oilon the tissue and hold to your nose. If I find it is feeling extra stuffy I ask the stewardess to put my olbas tissue in a small cup with a splash of boiling water a nd it works a treat.

I also clear my eats a lot. Close mouth, pinch nose, close eyes tightly and breathe out whilst holding your breath gently until both ears pop as they rqualise. I do it all through the flight not just when I feel the need and it helped my sinuses too.

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Karvol liquid on a paper towel in a plastic cup and breath it in, works a treat. My eldest DD suffers terribly with her ears and this works wonders for her. It was actually cabin crew on. Flybe flight years ago gave her this to help her.

[Mexy02]

Airwaves chewing gum is quiet good but karvol is always recommend by crew.

[Guest]

I take a course of Sudafed from supermarket the week before I fly.

Works for me.

Chewing gum and swallowing while descending, not swallowing the gum though.

[Guest]

Forgot to say.. would earplanes work for you?

[holidaysaver75]

I was going to recommend earplanes as well. I've had a lot of issues with my sinuses over the years and I find earplanes alleviate a lot of the pressure on landing. Also, I take a steam cup from Boots with me everywhere. A couple of drops of menthol and some hot water helps a lot.

[Dan Horrocks]

Like @FairyNuff I take Sudafed, more specifically the one targeted for sinus relief. (It's the red style box)

Personally I find taking it before I fly and whilst I'm on board (before landing) seems to keep the sinus pain at bay!

Of course I'd recommend seeking professional advice from a doctor rather than what I've been recommended

[stanleycamel]

Originally Posted by bigplan415

Hi, I'm really excited to be going back to WDW next week but I'm getting worried about the flights as I often get terrible pains in my face, head and neck during descent, sometimes accompanoed by a streaming nose. I assume this is due to air pressure changes in sinuses. Has anybody else suffered from this and found a way to prevent it?

See more...

You have my sympathy bigplan - I suffered very badly and as I fly a great deal I ended up with a sinus washout at one point. I agree with the Karvol and Olbas oil suggestions - perhaps another idea which is easy to carry is an Olbas inhaler stick. Good luck and hope you have a good trip.

[bigplan415]

Thanks so much for all these replies. As you've all said it really is agony when it happens. I think I'll try a combination of all your tips - the sudafed, olbas or Karvol and the earplanes, which I hadn't heard of but just googled and the they look good. We'll have 4 descents with our indirect flights so definitely worth investing!