Why do i get like this while flying?

Question

I frequently travel, and not always, but sometimes i experience the absolute worst pain near the area of my temples. (this is usually while the plane descends.) It feels as if my brain is close to exploding. I'm a person that can handle pain very well, but this is just excruciating. I believe it has something to do with the pressure changing, but no one else that i've flown with has had the same thing happen to them.

It's the worst pain i've ever felt.

I'm only concerned because i'm considering taking up a job as a flight attendant in the future, and i wonder if this will cause a problem.

Answer 1

It sounds like sinus pain.  Most likely you have some mild allergies that don't express themselves under normal conditions.  A decongestant/antihistamine may help.  Stay away from over the counter nasal sprays as they do more harm than good.  Try Claritin, Zyrtec, or even Benedryl or Dimetapp.

If you are considering becoming a FA you may want to talk to your doctor about this.  As an FA you will be ascending and descending several times a day.  This can cause havoc on your sinuses if you've got some mild congestion.  You may need a prescription nasal spray such as Nasonex or Flonase.

Answer 2

Take an allergy pill!!

I had the same problem... I was crying because my head hurt soooo bad.  Never felt pain like it before.  Its right in the temples above the eyes!  I was sitting next to a pilot on a flight and he noticed my crying and told me it happens to a lot of people.  It's your nasal passage being congested so the pressure causes pain because they can not drain (or something like that).  So I bought some allergy medicine with antihistamine.....and I have not had the problem since (i've flown 3 times since then).  

Hope this helps.. I know it helps me.  I know the pain you are feeling!

:)