Interesting discussion- Been flying professionally for 20 years and for the past 15 on long haul. I have always suffered with sensitive ears, but over the past couple of years, have been suffering sporadic bouts of sinus trouble when flying.
Sometimes this can, perhaps be attributed to going in to work when one shouldn't (cold symptoms) etc, but not always. I had a particularly bad episode at the beginning of the year, saw my gp who prescribed antibiotics and a week off flying. I went back to work after this, thinking that I had recovered and all was reasonably well for a few months with only minor discomfort. I was also suffering from a buildup of mucous, which was causing me to continually throat scrape-unpleasant and annoying, especially for the wife!!
I then experienced another episode (Frontal sinus pain - pressure in the face - blocked ears and that horrible fuzzy headed feeling that is associated with sinus complaints). I thought I had inner ear issues (see other thread) but eventually this was ruled out as simply sinusitis symptoms. Back to the GP- more antibiotics and otrivine, none of which worked. I felt as though I had a permanent cold. I ended up sick for more than three weeks, the result of which was a temporarily unfit letter from the CAA, stating that they require me to be fully recovered and symptom free before considering giving me back my medical.
That was three months ago. My GP referred me to an ENT consultant with a particular interest in aviation related issues . I had a CT scan and nasal endoscopy which revealed abnormal (but not bad) structure to my left maxilliary sinus and a narrowing to the opening to my left frontal sinus. The nasal endoscopy revealed significant mucosal swelling and inflammation. I had allergy testing which came back negative to all the main culprits. Diagnosis at this stage
was chronic rhinosinusitis.
Although surgical intervention was discussed, my ENT was keen to avoid this if possible and prescribed a 6 week course of steroid nasal drops to try and reduce the swelling to the mucosa. Things appeared to progress reasonably well, until I caught a common cold which took things back to square one at the end of the 6 weeks.
The consultant then referred me to another specialist for a second opinion.
I was given a very detailed endoscopic examination. He decided that I should try a course of Pulmicort (common asthma treatment) administered to my nasal and sinus passages via a Neilmed sinus rinse kit, in the hope that this delivery system would get to the problem areas unlike simple drops and sprays. I am due to see him again in 3 weeks to acertain if this has worked. He has also suggested that I may be a candidate for balloon sunusplasty, to open up the left frontal sinus opening.
This is all very frustrating, I remain grounded until a satisfactory report on my condition can be provided to the CAA. I am feeling better, with the current course of treatment and am hopeful that things will have settled down by my next appointment.
Problems of this nature should be taken very seriously, I for one will never operate with the hint of a cold. When or if I'm allowed back!
