Many people experience pressure or tenderness around the eyes and cheeks when flying in aircraft. This tenderness is caused by differences between the ambient air pressure and sinus cavity pressure.
Flying
Air pressure depends on elevation. As one goes higher on the atmosphere, there is less pushing down on the air molecules, making them less dense and resulting in lower pressure.
Sinuses
Human sinuses are mucous membrane-lined cavities found in the cheeks, nose and forehead. They are connected to the nose by a series of tubes called ostia. If the tubes connecting these passages become blocked, a pressure differential can form between the cavity and the outside air.
Pressure Differentials
Ascending or descending in an aircraft by several thousand feet in a short time can subject the body to a rapid change in ambient air pressure. If the sinuses can be equalized (hold your nose and blow, with your mouth closed) this differential can be removed.
Discomfort
The discomfort felt can be a dull pain, but especially during plane ascents and descents can change to a fast-onsetting, sharp pain near the high point of the cheeks or between the eyebrows.
Aerosinusitis
In extreme cases, pressure in the paranasal sinuses can result in inflammation of the surrounding tissue or bleeding. Chronic cases of aerosinusitis can be treated with surgery to reopen obstructed ducts. Milder symptoms can be corrected with anti-inflammitories and painkillers.
Tags: ambient pressure