I fly by plane quite often. Although it has never happened before - recently it has been plugging my ears while landing. Sometimes there is also dizziness and headache. I had a sinus disease recently, but I didn't finish the treatment. Should I go back to the ENT specialist?

You probably suffer from the so-calledairplane ear . Professionally, this condition is called a dysbaric trauma. It is possible that it is caused by untreated sinusitis, but it can also be associated with a reaction to a sharp change in pressure. The problem is in the middle ear, which is connected to the throat by the Eustachian tube (Eustachian tube).

Colds, sinusitis, allergies and sudden changes in pressure cause it to swell, causing it to trap air. It is for this reason that pressure and even severe pain are felt. I advise you to go to the ENT doctor and check the condition of the sinuses. Finish the treatment this time.

And how can you save yourself from blocking your ears?

Do not sleep when landing. It is good to chew gum or suck on sour candy to provoke the swallowing reflex and to plug the nose. When your ears start to clog, you may yawn widely and swallow several times. Thus, the air from the Eustachian tubes will move to the middle ear, and after the trouble. If you need to make another flight while treating your sinuses, take an anti-swelling medication an hour before landing. The prescription for the drug will be written by the doctor.

Grzegorz Borstern

Internist, specialist in emergency medical services, medical law and bioethics, court expert, professional liability spokesman for the Regional Medical Chamber in Warsaw

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