Flying with a child who is prone to ear infections and stuffy nose

[traces7]

I am hoping to take my DD who will be 7 than to Disney in Oct. I'm worried about flying with her though and if she will have a problem with her ears, she is prone to ear infections (although they are getting less frequent now that she is older) and she seems to always have a stuffy nose. Do you think she'll have a problem flying? I was planning on giving her some decongestant ahead of time just to be safe. (I had problems with my ears the first time I flew and decongestant helped me).
And what if she had an ear infection at that time, I would probably have to cancel the trip, flying wouldn't be good would it? If I got trip insurance would this be considered an illness and cover the trip? Anybody have any advice? Thanks

 

[In a hurry]

We used "Earplanes" with great success this trip. They have a child size.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

I used to give DS9 a dose of Dimetapp at bed every night for about 4-5 days before we flew (or Zyrtec if he was having an allergy episode) whether he was sniffly or not. The key to avoiding ear infections is avoiding congestion.

DS used earplanes as well & he said they helped with the pressure.

 

[momto2girls]

I agree with the previous posters-- Earplanes & Dimetapp!

 

[llp479]

I second the anithistamine and ear planes. I've lost track the number of times we've flown with at least one dd with an ear infection. Thankfully, they seem to have finally out grown them, or the daily antihistamine for the allergies is preventing them.

 

[mhaley]

Does she have ear tubes? My cronic ear infected DD has always had some type of ear tube or ear drum perforation. She actually does better than anybody while flying since the pressure does not build up in her ear. I would also get a presription for an antibiotic for your trip just in case. We always have one with us, along with ear drops. We do not let it slow us down.

 

[bdklein]

As one who is prone to sinus infections, trust me. Get an OTC saline spray for the nose, like Entsol, and use it a few times a day. It will help keep the entire sinus cavity clearer, and help with the ears too. Check with your doctor first.

 

[alisonbestford]

I had trouble with painful ears when I was younger .

My GP told me to take a decongestant for about 48 hours prior to flying and it worked a treat

I'd also see whether your GP would be prepared to give you an anti biotic prescription 'just in case'.
I guess some will, some won't

 

[720L]

I have a daughter in the same situation. I agree with the other posters. If she starts getting congested a week before, start giving her Benedryl. Emphasize she needs to blow her nose not sniff it in!! Give her an antihistamine before she flys and get Earplanes (available at Walgreens and drugstores). Have her chew gum when taking off and landing. My pediatrician also had me give her 1 spray of nose spray in each nostril before taking off. She said it shrinks the sinus cavity I think? It worked but I would ask your ped. before doing that. She also said ONLY use it before flying not any other time.

 

[ConnieC]

As one who is prone to sinus infections, trust me. Get an OTC saline spray for the nose, like Entsol, and use it a few times a day. It will help keep the entire sinus cavity clearer, and help with the ears too. Check with your doctor first.

I suffered 3 sinus infections last winter . And again this year, I have some symptoms but not a major one. I will definitely try the saline spray! I'll go buy one tomorrow!
Thanks. I wasn't expecting this kind of helpful advice on this board!

 

[Pixiedust34]

Also bring some juice boxes along with a pack of chewing gum. Drinking (swallowing) might help. Encourage yawning if possible.

 

[bdklein]

I would get multiple sinus infections per year; after each visit to my ENT he would really give me a hard time about not using the saline. After the last infection, which was back in April of 2005, I have really made an effort to use it at least once a day (sometimes twice). It really has helped, luckily I have not had one since. The bottle that I use has an extended tip on it, which goes up into the nose. Good luck.

 

[Ariel8676]

I agree with the pp's...Saline nose drops (squirt some in on the way up and when you are descending), benedryl(night before and about and hour before take off), and earplanes(put them in for take off then take out until you are descending). My dd(4) has really bad ears as does my dh.

 

[ConnieC]

I would get multiple sinus infections per year; after each visit to my ENT he would really give me a hard time about not using the saline. After the last infection, which was back in April of 2005, I have really made an effort to use it at least once a day (sometimes twice). It really has helped, luckily I have not had one since. The bottle that I use has an extended tip on it, which goes up into the nose. Good luck.

Thanks! I actually went to see a Doc this morning due to a new episode of sinus infection and just got antibiotics at Target! UGHHHHHH

 

[Twingle]

My DS has had problems with ear/sinus infections in the past, and I've always notified our doctor before we fly, usually about six weeks before or so. Now granted, our doctor is a SAINT, but his usually recommendation is the Dimetapp/Saline for the five days prior to our flight, and he gives us ear drops for the plane. He does NOT recommend earplanes, he has had patients use them incorrectly and damage the ear. I've never seen them, so I don't know how that's possible, but there you go.

I'd talk to your doctor prior to your trip, and see what they recommend.

Travel insurance is always a good idea, but depending on how long your flight is, even if she has an ear infection she might be okay. We flew to Colorado from Virginia when my son was four and had an ear infection, (I had to attend a funeral) and our doctor gave us ear drops. My son was fine.

Good luck!

 

[fran99999]

I always call the Dr office and bring in my DS about 3-4 Days before flying. I have her check out his ears. I have been lucky only once has there been an issue with the ear. My Ped does this for free. I would imagine if there were an issue I may be charged but so far even the one time there was a question it was free.

If your DS has many infections I would make an appointment for 3-4 days before flight time. Just in case. This will give plenty of time for the meds to kick in so the flight will be comfortable. I bought my DS the Earplanes for my upcoming trip.

Oh also make sure to watch for the flight home. Especially if there will be a lot of swimming involved. My son has had issues with flying home not flying down. When we got home the Ped told me there was a lot of water in the ear-- probably from swimming.

 

[staci]

taking sudafed for a few days prior to flying and chewing gum always helped me. Also a few tylenol just in case.

 

[traces7]

I feel a little bit better now!

 

[makinorlando]

I agree with the previous posters-- Earplanes & Dimetapp!

Another thumbs up for Earplanes. My DD won't fly without them.

 

[ConnieC]

I would get multiple sinus infections per year; after each visit to my ENT he would really give me a hard time about not using the saline. After the last infection, which was back in April of 2005, I have really made an effort to use it at least once a day (sometimes twice). It really has helped, luckily I have not had one since. The bottle that I use has an extended tip on it, which goes up into the nose. Good luck.

Thanks, bdklein. I got the saline spray today!