Patients with allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies) can have chronically inflamed, irritated and swollen nasal membranes (nasal turbinates). These swollen membranes can block sinus openings (sinus ostia) thereby causing sinus headaches and/or sinusitis. Inflamed membranes can be very sensitive to changes in atmospheric pressure or changes in relative humidity (excessively moist or excessively dry air).

Airplanes are pressured so that the atmospheric pressure approximates 8000 feet above sea level. Because most commercial airlines fly at 7-8 miles above sea level, they are flying in extremely cold and dry air. At cruise altitudes, ventilation air circulated throughout the aircraft has zero humidity.

1. For these reasons, most patients with allergic rhinitis will have less nasal symptom flare-ups if they use an over-the-counter decongestant spray (Afrin, Neo-Synephrine, 4-Way, etc.) about 30 minutes before boarding the airplane. This will shrink the nasal turbinates so that the sinuses do not become blocked and will allow the allergy patient to breathe through his/her nose while on board the airplane. Nasal breathing will prevent excessive loss of moisture (versus mouth breathing).

2. Because the air on board the plane is exceedingly dry, it is also helpful for the allergy patient to have a salt water spray (Ocean, Ayr, Saline-X, etc.) to use every 15-30 minutes while on board the airplane. This will prevent the nasal turbinates from becoming excessively dry, and will allow the epithelial cells on the nasal membranes to function normally.

3. Patients should also drink one glass of water for each hour that they are on the plane (i.e., total time on the airplane). Caffeinated beverages such as tea, coffee, cola drinks and alcoholic beverages should not be consumed, as these beverages are all diuretics (i.e., they will make you more dehydrated).

Although there are many stresses that one must encounter when flying, we hope that these suggestions will make airplane flying less troublesome for the patient with allergic rhinitis and/or sinus problems.

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Michigan Allergy, Sinus & Asthma Specialists

6330 Orchard Lake Road #110 West Bloomfield, MI 48322 Tel: 248.932.0082 Fax: 248.932.0182 view map

37595 Seven Mile Road #320 Livonia, MI 48152 Tel: 800.739.6100 Fax: 248.932.0182 view map

Web: www.michiganallergy.com
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Email: miallergy@comcast.net

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