Many people have a tendency to come down with sinus infections during or after air travel. The four steps discussed in this article can help provide sinus pressure relief for those who travel by air on a regular basis.
There are a number of reasons why people who are susceptible to sinus infections tend to contact them during air travel. Sharing stale air in close proximity to others is certainly one reason, and oftentimes this air contains more bacteria and viruses than the air in our normal living environments. The low humidity in plane cabins is another contributing factor. The dry air we breathe in airplanes tends to impair the normal mucous-cilia system and make people more prone to bacteria and viruses. Since airplane cabins are pressurized and the pressure is changing during climb and descent, this can also have harmful effects.
Four suggestions to obtain sinus pressure relief in conjunction with air travel include: drinking lots of water before and during long flights; using a saline solution during the flight; doing the Modified Valsalva maneuver; and taking a decongestant before air travel.
Drink Lots of Water
The air intake that occurs at very high altitudes to ventilate plane cabins contains very dry air. Drinking water prior to and during flights can help retain moisture in the body and keep the nasal system as moist as possible. In addition, alcohol and caffeine are often consumed by people on long flights, and these also tend to dehydrate people. Making an effort to drink water regularly on long flights can help avoid dryness of the nasal passages.
Use Saline Solution Often During the Flight
It is wise to bring a small bottle of saline solution along and use it every hour or so to help keep the nose moist. Over the counter saline solutions all contain preservatives, and some people are bothered by these. It is possible to mix a solution yourself without preservatives and avoid this problem. One-half of a teaspoon of salt added to 8 oz. of water is a proper mixture. I personally use a product called Breathe-ease XL