Does flying make nasal congestion worse?
Does flying make nasal congestion worse? Airplane air is dryer than typical air. The low humidity of cabin air can inflame the sinus's delicate mucous membranes. The lack of moisture can also disrupt their natural cleaning process—leaving you more vulnerable to infection.
Does congestion get worse on a plane?
During lift-off and landing, changes in the air pressure inside the plane's cabin, affects the air inside and outside of your head. If your sinuses are congested, this means an unbalanced amount of pressure, which can be a painful experience.
Does flying lower your immune system?
Some recent studies do in fact suggest that traveling, especially flying, can have a negative effect on your immune system, thus making it easier for you to get sick.
When does sinus block occur during flight?
When the plane changes elevation during descent and ascent the sinuses must equilibrate to match the air pressure in the cabin but when the sinuses and eustachian tubes are blocked equilibration can be an issue. The pain occurs because of the restriction of air flow causing pressure in our sinuses.
Is it easier to catch a cold on a plane?
In fact, the Journal of Environmental Health Research says you're up to 100 times more likely to catch a cold on a plane than you are in your normal routine.
Why do my sinuses hurt when I fly?
However, when an airplane is ascending or descending (during take-off and landing, or in mid-air), the pressure difference can be felt for a short while inside the cabin as well. This sudden change in ambient pressure is the trigger for sinus pain and discomfort.