Sinus headache after flying, lasting days? Any experience?

[brickabrakes]

We flew from Birmingham to Dublin just over a week ago (a 45 min flight, so a quick up and down). As we descended into Dublin, my DS (15) had a sharp headache, on one side of his forehead, consistent with sinus pain. He managed it with ibuprofen at first, but it kept coming back intermittently over the next couple of days, so we consulted a pharmacist who recommended Sinutab, which helped. It took about 3 days to gradually clear. Then when we flew back on Friday, he took one Sinutab pre-emptively and sucked on some sweets. He had no pain at the time, but it returned yesterday (about 36 hours after the flight). Does anyone have any experience of "aeroplane headaches" like this? Is it usual for them to last a few days? And do you get them every time you fly?

Anyone?

Yes I have had these. First had one at the age of 12 and they are very painful. Don't often get them now. Have never had one that continues on for long after the flight though. Not much advice as I never took anything for them but they are not nice!

I’ve had them when my sinuses have been congested or inflamed m (eg hay fever). I remember an agonising one when I was about 14 - I thought my head was going to explode on the descent. I don’t remember them lasting though.

Worth getting him checked for a sinus infection?

My ds 17 had one last month. He didn't have a cold or sinus issues at the time but he does get hayfever and occasional migraines. It was bad but eased after an hour or so after we landed. On the return flight he used ear plugs called 'ear-planes' and he didn't have any issues.

Thanks. Interesting. He doesn't have a temperature or other signs of infection, but we're keeping an eye on him.