Head ache while flying
Feb 10, 2014, 6:23 am
#17
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
I think many have made some good points - a headache that begins 3 - 4 hours into flight could well be from a combination of issues, including:
dehydration: the cabin air you breathe in most aircraft today is drier than air in the desert;
sinus "squeeze": cabin altitude can be up to 8,000 feet / 2,400 meters MSL. A current aircraft cabin altitude at 39,000 ft / 12,000 m could be maintained 6,900 ft / 2,100 m in a Boeing 767 series aircraft; this can cause clearance problems with sinus cavities and Eustachian tubes;
mild hypoxia: the cabin altitude means there is less oxygen available for breathing purposes, so if you are susceptible at all to altitude sickness (one of the early symptoms is a dull headache, as well as sleeplessness) or have a breathing or circulatory impairment (COPD, for example), this might be contributory.
Newer aircraft are being designed to address these issues. The Boeing 767, for example is largely carbon composites and can have more cabin air humidity (you don't want so much humidity, which can cause corrosion, in metal cabins), and are designed to maintain a highest cabin pressure of 6,000 ft / 1,800 m MSL. If you have a selection, choose a more passenger-friendly aircraft to fly in.
What can we do to help?
Drink lots of water (and avoid caffeinated or other diuretic drinks, as well as alcoholic beverages, which will cause dehydration), as this keeps us hydrated and also keeps mucous more fluid and sinus tissues better able to handle mucous, etc.
Breathe properly - try a little deeper breathing than you normally do whilst seating (we don't think of that, but when we are sitting and at rest, shallow breathing might only allow 30% lung exchange of our breathing gasses).
Try gentle clearing of sinuses during taxi, takeoff and climb, as well as when you notice or it is announced descent is about to begin, through descent. Some of us use the "Valsalva" maneuver, pinching the nose and blowing, which IMO is pretty harsh; there are gentler ways to equalize - the "Toynbee" maneuver involves pinching the nose and swallowing, the "Frenzel" maneuver, etc. What works for me (I am an experienced scuba diver) is jutting my jaw out forward and down, keeping my mouth closed, and using my soft palate and tongue much as I would when swallowing, without actually swallowing.)
A physician will tell you if a mild medication can help as a decongestant, such as "Claritin D", or possibly a nasal spray like oxymetozaline (but beware using this often, as there can be a "rebound effect). Both of these come in 12 hour formulations.
Also check to see if you feel stressed when flying - if so, try some relaxation exercises, such as thinking yourself through some progressive relaxation technique if you feel muscle tension - neck tension is a sure sign you may be a bit more tense when flying, for a number of possible reasons (the words "coach" and "comfort" may begin with the letter "C", but they don't have much in common...
)
If none of this works, it may be time to visit one's physician or an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist.
dehydration: the cabin air you breathe in most aircraft today is drier than air in the desert;
sinus "squeeze": cabin altitude can be up to 8,000 feet / 2,400 meters MSL. A current aircraft cabin altitude at 39,000 ft / 12,000 m could be maintained 6,900 ft / 2,100 m in a Boeing 767 series aircraft; this can cause clearance problems with sinus cavities and Eustachian tubes;
mild hypoxia: the cabin altitude means there is less oxygen available for breathing purposes, so if you are susceptible at all to altitude sickness (one of the early symptoms is a dull headache, as well as sleeplessness) or have a breathing or circulatory impairment (COPD, for example), this might be contributory.
Newer aircraft are being designed to address these issues. The Boeing 767, for example is largely carbon composites and can have more cabin air humidity (you don't want so much humidity, which can cause corrosion, in metal cabins), and are designed to maintain a highest cabin pressure of 6,000 ft / 1,800 m MSL. If you have a selection, choose a more passenger-friendly aircraft to fly in.
What can we do to help?
Drink lots of water (and avoid caffeinated or other diuretic drinks, as well as alcoholic beverages, which will cause dehydration), as this keeps us hydrated and also keeps mucous more fluid and sinus tissues better able to handle mucous, etc.
Breathe properly - try a little deeper breathing than you normally do whilst seating (we don't think of that, but when we are sitting and at rest, shallow breathing might only allow 30% lung exchange of our breathing gasses).
Try gentle clearing of sinuses during taxi, takeoff and climb, as well as when you notice or it is announced descent is about to begin, through descent. Some of us use the "Valsalva" maneuver, pinching the nose and blowing, which IMO is pretty harsh; there are gentler ways to equalize - the "Toynbee" maneuver involves pinching the nose and swallowing, the "Frenzel" maneuver, etc. What works for me (I am an experienced scuba diver) is jutting my jaw out forward and down, keeping my mouth closed, and using my soft palate and tongue much as I would when swallowing, without actually swallowing.)
A physician will tell you if a mild medication can help as a decongestant, such as "Claritin D", or possibly a nasal spray like oxymetozaline (but beware using this often, as there can be a "rebound effect). Both of these come in 12 hour formulations.
Also check to see if you feel stressed when flying - if so, try some relaxation exercises, such as thinking yourself through some progressive relaxation technique if you feel muscle tension - neck tension is a sure sign you may be a bit more tense when flying, for a number of possible reasons (the words "coach" and "comfort" may begin with the letter "C", but they don't have much in common...
)If none of this works, it may be time to visit one's physician or an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist.
Feb 12, 2014, 2:00 pm
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 96
Thank you for the detailed reply. I haven't really noticed my sinuses being congested while flying, but I'll make sure to pay attention to it next time. And no, I'm not stressed. Maybe a bit excited, if anything - especially if it's J or F. 
Mar 25, 2014, 12:44 am
#19
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Mississauga
Programs: yes
Posts: 7
To overcome throw this problem i have some effective tips. To keep of your body hydrated drink plenty of water before and after the flight. Always book a flight that is nonstop. before going to airport eat properly.