If sinus pain occurs during descent, what should you do?

When sinus pain occurs during descent, the appropriate response is to stop the descent and, if necessary, ascend. This is because sinus pain often indicates that pressure is not equalizing properly in the sinuses due to changes in altitude. Continuing the descent can exacerbate the pain and potentially lead to further complications, such as barotrauma, which is damage caused to the sinus cavities due to pressure changes.

By stopping the descent, the pilot allows the pressure to stabilize and gives the body a chance to equalize the pressure between the external environment and the sinus cavities. If the pain persists or worsens, a gentle ascent can help relieve the pressure. This strategy prioritizes the health and comfort of the pilot and acknowledges the physiological impacts of rapid altitude changes on sinus cavities.

While other options may provide some temporary relief mechanisms, they do not address the underlying problem of pressure equalization effectively. For instance, simply chewing gum could help in some cases, but it does not resolve the issue of pressure disparity that is causing the pain. Loosening headsets and earplugs may provide minor comfort but is not a solution for the physiological problem at hand. Rapid descent can worsen the situation and lead to more severe issues. Therefore, stopping the descent is the