The doctor warned about the danger of flights with acute respiratory viral infections

Anton Rizaev, an otorhinolaryngologist at SM Clinic, told us what factors increase the risks of flights and why it is absolutely impossible to rely on self-medication in such a situation.

In an interview with the Health Mail on Wednesday, December 3, he warned that sometimes ENT organs are damaged due to a sudden pressure drop - such injuries are called barotrauma. This most often happens during the landing of an airplane, while scuba diving (especially diving) or near an explosion. The eardrum and paranasal sinuses are at the greatest risk.

Inflammation of the ENT organs significantly increases the likelihood of barotrauma: due to edema, narrow air channels may overlap, and when pressure changes, forces arise that can cause rupture of the membrane, damage to the auditory ossicles, or hemorrhage. Therefore, with acute respiratory viral infections, it is better to avoid flying and, especially, diving. If flight is unavoidable, the risk can be reduced by using vasoconstrictor sprays before takeoff and landing.

In the case of an explosive injury, the rate of pressure change plays a key role — its consequences are largely accidental, but it is believed that an open mouth at the time of exposure to a wave can reduce the likelihood of damage.

In most cases, barotrauma is well treated, especially if you consult an ENT doctor as early as possible. In addition to the examination, CT scans, tympanometry, audiometry, and other tests may be required.

In November, otolaryngologist Lyudmila Elizarova pointed out the danger of rinsing the nose without medical advice. According to her, the uncontrolled use of solutions can disrupt the natural functions of the nose and contribute to the spread of infection into the sinuses. 360.ru .

In October, Alexey Koshelev, an otolaryngologist of the highest category, warned that if a runny nose does not go away for more than 10 days, then you should consult a specialist. He warned against using nasal sprays for more than five to seven days. According to him, sometimes the problem is solved only operationally, writes NSN.

In July, doctor Ekaterina Kashukh told RT that with severe acute otitis media, which often accompanies acute respiratory viral infections and a severe runny nose, it is better to abandon flights: inflammation narrows the Eustachian tube, pressure does not equalize, and when changing altitude, this can lead to rupture of the eardrum and hemorrhage. In addition, swelling of the mucous membrane disrupts the drainage of the sinuses, and stagnation of mucus along with bacteria can cause acute sinusitis as early as 2-4 hours after planting.

Earlier, plastic surgeon and ENT doctor Ilyana Goncharova stated that it is especially risky for people with chronic diseases of the nose and ears to fly. If the runny nose is accompanied by severe congestion, earache, fever, or purulent discharge, it is better to postpone the trip. Pravda.Ru .

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