Frontal Sinus Barotrauma

[Itsnotfinals.]

Hi everyone,

I have been suffering from the odd occurrence of painful frontal sinus barotrauma, usually in an unpressurised descent of 1000fpm or greater but has also been experienced, albeit rarely, during descent in pressurised airliners (thus assuming 300-500fpm cabin descent).

A CT scan indicated generalised opacification of the sinuses, especially the central area in to which the frontal sinuses [are supposed to] drain. ENT suggests surgery will prove the most useful solution but I'm hesitant to commit without exploring all other options - I'm yet to sit upside down with a bucket of salty water up my nose but that will be the next step.

Has anyone any much appreciated advice or can anyone shine a small light at the end of the tunnel? I have found other threads regarding the same occurence but not many success stories. I really hope I can find a way to operate unimpeded as an airline career is the ultimate goal.

Cheers.

[Radgirl]

You can try systemic (oral) decongestants and also antibiotics if there is a chance this is acute ie a short term issue. But if the CT does not improve you will need functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). This takes 30 minutes if the issue is not more widespread, and you will be out of hospital in a few hours. It is very safe and should be curative. Just make sure you are referred to an ENT surgeon who is a rhinologist and specialises in this as opposed to a generalist. Asking how many they do each week is a good question - the answer should be at least three

PM me if you have further questions

[Buswinker]

I get this, have been putting off surgery but I know it’s only a matter of time

as an FYI, I know the sinus rinses have excellent evidence behind them but made my symptoms markedly worse. I imagined to myself it was because the little tubes into my sinuses were just too inflamed so the stuff was needing to run in under pressure maybe?!

[currawong]

The condition is really no fun at all.

The surgery is straightforward and common in aircrew.

The post op follow up treatment (involving a small vacuum cleaner) was a bit white knuckle but beneficial.

No problem with Class One Medical renewal.

I would call it a good investment, glad I did it. With that behind you the nose sprays and sinus rinse etc have some hope of working, should they be required.

I still regularly squirt salt water up my nose to stay out of trouble.

[Itsnotfinals.]

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

Certainly a chronic condition as it has been occurring randomly for many years now - no fun at all.

I will look to find an appropriately experienced ENT surgeon.

[RHSandLovingIt]

Trying to reply to your PM, but it says you are over your inbox quota ;)