Dull pain - sinuses?
 

The other day I experienced a kind of dull head ache whilst flying, it seemed to be around my sinuses. Is this due to trapped air exerting pressure at altitude, if so what can I do to keep my sinuses clear - I don't believe that it can be a serious problem. Surely some kind of nasal spray is in order? If so what is accepted by the CAA/ mainstream airlines?

Also, having searched the archives I found a really worrying post about somebody with sinus problems who burst his eardrum - nasty! Should one not fly at all (pilot or passenger) is suffering from a cold/flu or just a stuffed up nose? If so do pilots have to phone in sick if they have a cold?

I think the post was over exhagerated as the sinuses are never completely clear, that's not their job so what is and what isn't a problem?

I just got rather worried that if I flew with a cold my head would explode or something - well if you believed everything the post said!

Cheers

Speedy.