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What Causes Facial Pressure And Pain During A Flight Decent?
Hello, I just flew in from HI to CA and on the decent, my face (around cheekbones on the left side) starting hurting really bad. Now, about 2 hours later, my face still hurts and there is a lot of pressure. I am taking off again in 1 hour to NM, but am afraid to get on the plane because of the pressure. I have had this happen before on the decent but it is typically behind my eye and once we land, the pain usually goes away, This time pain is not going away. What are your thoughts?
Fri, 1 Apr 2016
Hello,
I can understand your concern. In normal conditions the pressure inside our body and the outside atmospheric pressure balance with each other. When the flight descends, there are major pressure discrepancies inside and outside our body. Due to this reason, the paranasal sinuses contract and you feel pressuring pain in the sinus area, that is around cheek bones, around eyes, headache, etcetera.
However, the pain subsides usually when the plane lands and the body and atmospheric pressure balance with each other, exactly what happened to you during previous flight.
The reason you are not getting relief even after landing might be that you already have inflmmation in your sinus called sinusitis. In such case, taking analgesics available over the counter can give you relief during your next flight. You may take Paracetamol 500 mg or Ibuprofen 400 mg, if you are not allergic to them.
If you do not find relief with them, you might need to see a physician after you land for physical examination.
I hope this information helps you. Thank you for choosing HealthCareMagic. Safe Travels!
Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
I can understand your concern. In normal conditions the pressure inside our body and the outside atmospheric pressure balance with each other. When the flight descends, there are major pressure discrepancies inside and outside our body. Due to this reason, the paranasal sinuses contract and you feel pressuring pain in the sinus area, that is around cheek bones, around eyes, headache, etcetera.
However, the pain subsides usually when the plane lands and the body and atmospheric pressure balance with each other, exactly what happened to you during previous flight.
The reason you are not getting relief even after landing might be that you already have inflmmation in your sinus called sinusitis. In such case, taking analgesics available over the counter can give you relief during your next flight. You may take Paracetamol 500 mg or Ibuprofen 400 mg, if you are not allergic to them.
If you do not find relief with them, you might need to see a physician after you land for physical examination.
I hope this information helps you. Thank you for choosing HealthCareMagic. Safe Travels!
Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
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