What Causes Severe Pain In Forehead When I Travel By Flight?

Posted on Fri, 13 Feb 2015

Question: Hello Sir,
From last 1 year, when I travel by flight I experience severe pain in my Forehead, Eyelids, Ear drums and Jaw.

I think it happens due to drop in air pressure so I try all the best recommended tips like sipping water, chewing gum. It helps in keeping pain bearable.

I'm frequent flier so it becomes really unbearable, if its a long flight. I would appreciate if you could suggest me any tablet/ear drops.

I have High Cholesterol and Triglyceride level not sure if it is related to that.

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Regards,
XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
This is known as Barotrauma. It is common.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. This is known as Barotrauma. It is common during flights even with pressurized cabins. Cabin pressure is usually equivalent to 5000-6000 feet above sea level.

2. Take a few weeks trial with an anti-allergic (such as levocetrizine or fexofenadine), steroid nasal spray (such as mometasone or fluticasone) and regular steam inhalation.

3. If this does not help, get a plain Sinus CT done. Balloon Sinuplasty is an excellent minimally invasive option.

4. In the meanwhile, OTC decongestant nasal drops such as Otrinoz-P or Otrivin-P (0.05% Xylometazoline) used an hour before the flight will help.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar