SYMPTOM
It's that uncomfortable head pain you get during or after a flight. This usually happens because of changes in air pressure, not drinking enough water, or pressure building up in your sinuses.
For general awareness only. This is not medical advice. If symptoms are severe or persistent, consult a healthcare professional.
Showing 10 causes
Airplane cabin dehydration
The dry cabin air could quickly dehydrate you. This fluid loss affects your brain tissue, causing a dull, persistent ache.
Sinus barotrauma
Pressure changes in the cabin squeeze or expand air in your sinuses. This could cause pressure and pain in your head, often felt around your eyes or forehead.
Circadian rhythm disruption
Crossing time zones messes with your body's internal clock. This could cause fatigue, poor sleep, and a general feeling of malaise with headaches.
Migraine trigger
Flying could act as a trigger for migraines in susceptible people. Factors like pressure changes, dry air, and altered sleep patterns could set one off.
Reduced oxygen levels
Cabin pressure is lower than at sea level, meaning less oxygen is available. This could dilate blood vessels in your brain, causing a dull headache.
Stress and anxiety
The stress of travel, like busy airports or concerns about the flight, could cause muscle tension. This tension could manifest as a band-like headache around your head.
Alcohol or caffeine intake
Consuming alcohol or caffeine before or during a flight could lead to dehydration or withdrawal headaches later. These substances could affect blood flow to the brain.
Tension headache from posture
Sitting in cramped airplane seats for extended periods could strain your neck and shoulder muscles. This muscle tension could lead to a steady ache in your head.
Nasal airway dryness
The extremely dry cabin air could irritate your nasal passages and airways. This irritation could lead to inflammation and a frontal or sinus-like headache.
Ear barotrauma
Pressure changes could affect your middle ears, causing discomfort or pain. This ear pain could sometimes radiate and be felt as a headache, especially in the temples.