An inflammation of the sinuses (air-filled spaces in the skull) caused by changes in air pressure, especially during flights.
From 'aero-' (air), 'sinus' (cavity in bone), and '-itis' (inflammation). The term emerged in aviation medicine during the 20th century to describe a specific condition affecting pilots and airplane passengers.
When pilots climb high or descend rapidly, the air pressure changes so fast that your sinuses can't adjust—they swell up painfully like water balloons. This is why some people's ears hurt on airplanes and why pilots are trained to manage these pressure changes.
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