Flying with a cold?

[SquawkModeA]

Hi,

Looks like I developed a somewhat premature autumn cold during some of the colder evenings of the week...really more annoying than serious, though.

Anyway, could this be a problem when it comes to flying? I'm sure it's covered in the HPL but I haven't studied that one yet. Simply VFR below 5000' of course.

Thanks,

MA

[Bo Nalls]

Hope all this helps to explain why you should not fly with a cold

1. The head contains a number of gas-filled cavities which communicate with the nose; these are the middle ear cavities and the nasal sinuses. The gas contained in these spaces expands and contracts on ascent and descent and so long as communication with the nose remains open to permit gas to flow out of and into these cavities no disturbances will occur. However, if free exchanges of gas in and out of these cavities does not occur with change of altitude, a very high pressure difference can soon arise, with painful and serious consequences. The change of pressure for a 1,000 feet change of height is much greater at low than at high altitude, and thus the disturbances caused in the ears and sinuses by change of altitude occur predominantly at the lower altitudes.

2. The cavity of the middle ear is separated from the exterior by a thin diaphragm, the ear drum, and communicates with the nose via the Eustachian tube whose walls are soft and normally collapsed together.

3. During ascent, as the ambient pressure decreases, the expanding gas in the middle ear cavity readily escapes along the Eustachian tube, so that pressure is equalized on either side of the ear drum. Since the anatomical structure of the tube is such that this gas can escape easily, disturbances are very rare during ascent. This passive ventilation of the middle ear may be heard as a popping sensation in the ear.

4. During descent, the collapsed wall of the Eustachian tube tends to act as a valve, preventing gas from flowing back into the middle ear cavity. The increase in pressure on the outside of the ear drum progressively distorts the drum inwards as the descent continues. Gas must flow into the middle ear cavity via the Eustachian tube during descent if the drum head is to be restored to its normal resting position. Several actions may be employed to open the Eustachian tube and allow gas to flow into the middle ear, such as yawning, swallowing or pushing the jaw forward. If such actions fail, pinching the nose and blowing into it (as in blowing the nose) is very effective. This method must be used with some care lest the ears become over-inflated, resulting in discomfort, which can be confused with a failure to clear the ears. Another widely used method is to pinch the nose, close the glottis (the gap between the vocal cords) and raise the floor of the mouth. Each individual soon finds, by trial and error, the method which suits him best.

5. During a descent, the ears must be cleared constantly as difficulty is likely to occur when the pressure difference across the ear-drum is allowed to build up. This pressure build-up pushes in the ear drum causing pain and deafness which can become very severe as the pressure differential increases. The condition is known as otitic barotrauma, that is to say, damage to the ear by pressure. As the differential across the drum reaches about 50 mm Hg the pain is very severe and, when it reaches approximately 90 mm Hg, it is not possible to equalize this pressure or “clear the ears” by voluntary effort. Further descent at this stage would cause rupture of the drum. In cases where voluntary actions such as those described fail to relieve the condition, it is best (if fuel permits) to climb again until the ears are clear and let down again at a reduced rate, being careful to keep the middle ears inflated.

6. A head cold is likely to cause congestion and swelling of the Eustachian tubes, just as the lining of the nose is affected. Thus it may become difficult or impossible to clear the ears. Aircrew with head colds should not fly unless they can clear their ears satisfactorily on the ground.

7. The nasal sinuses are cavities in the bones of the face and skull having a lining similar to that of the nose, with which they communicate along narrow tunnels. During ascent and descent gas flows freely out of and into the sinuses. In the presence of inflammation of the lining of these sinuses, as in sinusitis or with a severe head cold, swelling may obstruct the outlets. This will cause pain, which can be severe, during a descent. The condition is known as sinus barotrauma and may be felt in the cheek, forehead or deep in the head. In severe cases, the pain can be quite blinding and also accompanied by watering of the eyes. If sinus barotrauma occurs during flight, the rate of descent should be slowed and attempts made to force gas into the sinuses by raising the pressure in the nose by pinching the nostrils, closing the mouth, and breathing out hard. Any infection or inflammation in the sinuses is a further reason for seeking medical advice as to fitness to fly.
:ok: :ok:


ps - having tried to descend with blocked sinuses I can verify that it is not to be recommended:\

[SquawkModeA]

Wow, thanks! After this I'll make sure to stay grounded for a while.:D

[redsnail]

Yep, I can verify the pain associated with a descent with partially blocked ears. It feels like someone is trying to stick a pencil in your ear. The pain is debilitating. I had to wait another 24 hours on the ground before the Dr's would say that my eardrum wouldn't rupture. Agony.
Don't do it.

[Flying_Sarah747]

The "blocked ear" thing has happened to me twice, and both times I didn't have a cold or any nasal congestion of any type. I usually find it quite hard to equalise the pressure in my right ear, depending on how often I've flown. The more I fly the easier it gets. I have no idea why?!?!

All the posts above sound quite serious, should I seek medical advice about it? When I did my flight attendant medical they said everything was ok with me. Anyone else have the same problem? Can anyone shed any light on the matter??

[redsnail]

I have a rule of thumb. If I can't equalise my ears at a similar rate then I don't fly. My right ear has given me gyp in the past. (See above). I saw an ENT specialist and he wanted to operate on my nose and burn out the sinuses. (Deviated septum). I didn't do it, it sounded painful but it would have helped my ears. (So far so good with just being careful)

[Flying_Sarah747]

Hmm, I'm a little worried about it now! I can never usually equalise my ears at the same rate...The right is always harder and takes longer. Does that mean I should not be flying? I'm definately going to the doctors about it after reading the above.