Is air travel safe with sinusitis?
Even in pressurized airplane cabins, air pressure can cause problems for people with colds or sinus conditions. The resulting discomfort is typically felt during takeoff and landing and can become quite painful. It is most helpful to use decongestant nose drops before a flight. If the symptoms of sinusitis are severe, it is better to avoid flying altogether.Sometimes, a gentle massage of the area in front of and behind the ears, as well as the face, will relieve the feeling of fullness or sound of liquid in the ears. It is especially important to keep the nasal membranes moist, as airplane air tends to be very dry. The use of saline sprays while on the plane can help. In the absence of saline, simply moisten the inside of the nose with water.
