Hi, I used to love takeoff, once the plane is at cruising altitude, I usually ok. Now, on takeoff, it feels like someone is putting intense pressure on the
front of my face(sounds weird,I know!) and my ears hurt like hell. I now worry about is there enough oxygen to be safe in this cabin? I now feel a little
clausterphobic, and not being in control makes me nervous. I don't fly much, wish I did! I love to travel! Last big trip I did was 7 years ago, SJC to
Pittsburgh,PA. It had been 20 years since I had flown last, and on take off, ears hurt like hell, I almost screamed! They get a plugged feeling easily, too. My
right ear gets it worse than my left. When I was younger, flying was no problem. I want that feeling back again! I am not afraid of engines
failing,accidents,turbulence,none of that. In fact, I like turbulence! My heart was racing and at least I had my friend with me to comfort me. Now I am flying
alone, and am a bit worried! Help! Any suggestions?? I don't want to drink alcohol, I know it dehydrates you and that makes your sinuses worse in that
stale air in the cabin. Thanks!
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1 Kudo
Sinus pressure and takeoff:( a bit worried!
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 arewethereyet |
Sinus pressure and takeoff:( a bit worried! |
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Posts: 1 (07/17/09 15:15:45) |
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Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW |
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Posts: 2655 (07/17/09 16:05:22) |
Are you sure you recall this correctly. There is never a problem with the ears going up. The Eustachian tubes work fine on the way up because air is coming out
from the ears. The problem is when going down and air needs to go back in.
Sinus can be a problem either direction. If you want to protect yourself, see an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. The MD can check to see that the opening are open and working. There is always plenty of oxygen; that isn't a problem, ever. Sounds like you got it; it is control. We can fix that, IF you want to with the course at www.fearofflying.com/relief/ |
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OneAnt |
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Posts: 863 (07/17/09 20:02:58) |
If you're having problems with sinuses on takeoff, Capt Tom is right: see a specialist. There's something wrong.
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arewethereyet |
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Posts: 2 (07/18/09 21:24:41) |
Hi and thanks for the reply! It is on take off, at least on that one flight I took 7 years ago, that my ears really hurt, like pressure instantly built up in
them and didn't clear till several min. later. And I have been to an ENT. Last month I had a bad sinus infection, which I get maybe every two/three years,
an d he checked everything out and said I was fine. I was just getting over it when I saw him. My right ear has a smaller opening than the left, so it's
hard to stick any plugs in it. I think half of it is me focusing too much on the feeling in my sinuses because of the dry air, and th e fast forward movement
of the plane. Same thing kind of happens to me on a rollercoaster, if that makes sense! I didn't drink much water before flying and I read that helps with
the dry air thing. And no coffee this time!
 I have a set of Earplanes and will try those this time. Hope this posts ok!
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Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW |
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Posts: 2656 (07/19/09 15:07:34) |
I can't see how the Earplanes could possible help, in spite of the hype they put out. It isn't possible to plug the ear well enough to keep the
pressure constant inside the plug.
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Note from Capt. Tom I know everyone worries about weather, but pilots really do not worry about it. We simply - instead of worrying about it - completely prepare for it. Before going to the plane, we review the weather at the destination. If it is not 100% sure to be within legal limits when we arrive at the destination, we must specify an alternate airport in our planning documents, and load on plenty of fuel for going to the destination airport, and then if need be, diverting to the alternate airport. The legal limits are conservative. Even when weather is slightly outside the legal limits, any airline pilot could still land safely. You can rely on the captain never to land when the weather is not legal, and legality limits are reached prior to safety limits. If you are still anxious, call me and we can talk it over. I'm at 877 332-7359 from 10 AM until 7 PM Eastern time. For effective help, even if you are flying in a day or two, sign up now at www.fearofflying.com/fasttrack and call me when you finish Clip 9 so I can make sure you are all set. |
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Using Weather Information If you enter your ZIP Code or City at the top of the weather presentation, it will give you weather for your area. Or, you can enter your destination ZIP Code or City.
Click on the "LOCAL RADAR" button to see whether or not there are thunder- Turbulence, though it may cause anxiety, does not mean anything is wrong. Turbulence does not mean danger. The plane can handle far more turbulence than Mother Nature can dish out. Though flying in turbulence is safe, it doesn't feel safe. And here is where the SOAR programs come in. We can help you feel as safe when you fly as you actually are. You can see these programs at www.fearofflying.com/store. |
