By | April 17, 2025
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How To Avoid Aerosinusitis

Aerosinusitis (also called barosinusitis or sinus barotrauma) is a painful sinus condition caused by rapid changes in air pressure, usually during flying, scuba diving, or other altitude shifts. It happens when your sinuses can’t equalize pressure properly — leading to pain, inflammation, or even nosebleeds.

Here’s how to avoid aerosinusitis and keep your sinuses happy, especially when flying:

✈️ 1. Don’t Fly or Dive With a Cold, Allergy Flare-Up, or Sinus Infection

  • If your sinuses are blocked or inflamed, they can’t equalize pressure.
  • Flying or diving with congestion increases the risk of pain and injury.

Try to delay travel if you’re sick — it’s the best prevention.

💊 2. Use a Nasal Decongestant Before Takeoff or Descent

  • Spray decongestants (like oxymetazoline or xylometazoline) can shrink swollen nasal tissue and open your sinus passages.

How to use it:

  • Spray 30–60 minutes before takeoff and landing.
  • Don’t use more than 3 days in a row — it can cause rebound congestion.

🌊 3. Do a Saline Rinse or Use a Saline Spray

  • Keeps nasal passages moist and clear, which helps with pressure regulation.
  • Especially helpful before flights or dives.

Use a neti pot or sterile saline spray. Just be sure water is clean/distilled.

🫁 4. Equalize Pressure During Flights or Dives

  • During takeoff and descent, try:
    • Yawning
    • Swallowing
    • Chewing gum
    • The Valsalva maneuver (gently blow through your nose while pinching it and closing your mouth)

✅ Do this regularly during descent, when pressure changes the fastest.

🤧 5. Treat Allergies if You Have Them

  • Seasonal or chronic allergies cause swollen nasal tissues, increasing your risk.
  • Use antihistamines or allergy sprays regularly if you’re prone to flare-ups.

🛑 6. Avoid Diving Too Soon After Flying (and Vice Versa)

  • If you’ve just flown or plan to fly after diving, wait at least 12–24 hours, depending on depth/duration of dive.
  • This helps your body safely equalize pressure and reduces sinus barotrauma risk.

🧊 7. Apply Warm Compresses After Flight if You Feel Pressure

  • A warm compress over your cheeks and forehead can help relieve sinus pressure post-flight.
  • Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also reduce discomfort if needed.

🚨 When To See a Doctor

  • Severe sinus pain, pressure, nosebleeds, or headaches after flying or diving
  • Symptoms that don’t improve with decongestants or saline rinses
  • You may need treatment for an infection, structural issue, or chronic sinus inflammation