Sinus pain during descent

cstewart6

cstewart6

Just smart enough to operate the machines
I started flying skydivers recently, and today during the last of the descents I got this really freakin bad pain above/on my right eyebrow, and my eye felt like it wanted to pop out of my head. It isn't ear related, but it hurts like hell. Looking online they say its aerosinusitis or sinus barotrauma (a mild case) but it still hurts a little bit. It can be caused by cold or allergies, which makes sense now. They reccommend decongestants so I'll do that. But has anyone else had this happen? I'm really hoping it goes away because tomorrow is going to be a busy day.
 
cstewart6 said:
I started flying skydivers recently, and today during the last of the descents I got this really freakin bad pain above/on my right eyebrow, and my eye felt like it wanted to pop out of my head. It isn't ear related, but it hurts like hell. Looking online they say its aerosinusitis or sinus barotrauma (a mild case) but it still hurts a little bit. It can be caused by cold or allergies, which makes sense now. They reccommend decongestants so I'll do that. But has anyone else had this happen? I'm really hoping it goes away because tomorrow is going to be a busy day.
Click to expand...

Simple terms... SINUS BLOCK... and they do hurt like holy you know what... I always fly with a bottle of Afrin Nose spray in my bag. It will give you a good 15 minutes to get on the ground before your sinuses start going wacko again... Good luck.
 
I had that happen a couple of times, it feels like someone took a bat and hit you in the face. As PilotForHire states, keep a bottle of Afrin handy. I've used sudafed before. Ease off on the descent, allow your self the chance to equalize, if it hurts that bad, level off or even climb. The best bet is not to fly with that ailment.
 
When I was flying jumpers I had that happen one day when I was fighting a mild head cold. It feels like razor blades inside your face and forehead. Just ease up on the descents and keep trying to equalize your sinuses on the way up and down. I would stay away from any decongestants because most of them make you drowsy. Even if they say "non-drowsy", that mostly means that they only will make you LESS drowsy than others.
 
61.53 applies

As mentioned above, sinus blockage can be quite painful. The severity of pain may be debilitating. Temporary loss of vision can result.

I don't know about aerial descents but I can tell you that ascents from a dive can result in bursting a vessel. And/or affecting your ears. Treating the symptom is temporary, better is to resolve the cause.
 
Yeah man, fly with a bottle of affrin, and if it happens again, just dump the whole thing into your nose. Level out, milk the descent, work with ATC if applicable (ie IFR). I've had it happen and it is very painful. I also know a guy who seriously damaged his sinuses and required surgery after the fact.....and who is lucky to still be flying. Food for thought
 
Happened to me from 10K descent into JFK airspace. Luckily i was with another pilot. I had to get off the control due to the severity of pain. I started to use tissue papers or paper, roll it and put it in my ear. That helped until i got prescription nasal spray. Now sinus is history :)
 
Seriously. All I had was a minor runny nose that I thought I was done with, and the first half of the day was fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top