Flying with a child with sinus issues. Help!

[Jays2013]

We are flying into Orlando (from Buffalo) in April for our first Disney trip in seven years! Whoo!

Last time we flew, my elder son was was 15 months old. We gave him a bottle with juice while ascending and descending. He had no problems.

Well ... today, he's 8. He has special needs and while mostly healthy, often has sinus infections and issues. So I'm concerned about sinus pain on the plane. Chewing gum is not an option, nor are lollipops, etc.

I'm going to talk to the pediatrician, but any suggestions from those who've been there?

Thank you!

 

[tchrrx]

Could he take a Sudafed to help before boarding? Then, maybe drink something while taking off/landing?

 

[MSSANDRA]

A decongestant may be helpful but I would check with his doctor first AND try out a dose at home before you give it to him for a flight. Some children do not respond to medications in the typical fashion.

 

[NotUrsula]

I have the same problem, and I have an arsenal of meds to combat it. They MUST be on my person any time that I'm on a plane, because when I need them I need them immediately.

My system consists of three medications:

1) Decongestant: oral pseudoephedrine taken 30 minutes before boarding and every 4 hours thereafter until I am on the ground at my destination,

2) Steroids: mometasone furoate monohydrate nasal spray (this is the generic of Nasonex brand), taken right as I board the plane: this takes down any swelling of the membranes so that the pressure inside my head can more easily equalize, and

3) Topical analgesis eardrops: A/B otic drops in case I develop acute ear pain. These contain antipyrine and benzocaine, and will kill the pain but will not prevent the rupture of an eardrum. For that reason it is difficult to persuade physicians to give you a scrip for them, because if a drum does rupture, using this medicine can mask the pain and cause you to neglect to seek proper medical attention for the ruptured eardrum. I have a deal with my physician that I will call him if one dose after the plane lands is not sufficient to eliminate the pain; I call him if it still hurts when the A/B otic drops wear off.

PS: I don't do Jemmouse's Afrin regimen because Afrin can cause rebound effect if you take it for too many days in a row, and as often as I fly, I cannot count on getting in 4-5 non-medicated days before I fly again.

I will also note that the three meds that I originally mentioned CAN be taken by children, but the steroid nasal spray and the eardrops are Rx only, so the physician would set the proper dosage. Also, drinking lots of water during the flight is also a very good idea.

 

[jemmouse]

I also agree with above poster, and carry SAME prescriptions...BUT my one added is I start Afrin Nasal Decongestant in your nose the day before so you have at least 3 does in your system before you fly. Then stop for at least 4-5 days then restart same before you fly home...I am prone to ear issues, that stem from the sinuses. Also do NOT have any dental work done before flying, the pressure can interfere also with sinuses....

My doctor has sometimes even put me on an antibiotic before I fly for the sinuses along with prednisone...All depends on the severity of your issues. But best bet is to check with your doctor as he knows your child and medical history....

Good luck!!!!

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

I used to have major issues flying and so did one of my kids. I take a Sudafed 2 hrs before landing and spray a nasal spray (like Afrin) 30 minutes before landing. I have not had any issues since I started doing this. I do it for my child as well. Of course I would check with your dr. Enjoy your time in Disney.

 

[Leajess99]

We are flying into Orlando (from Buffalo) in April for our first Disney trip in seven years! Whoo!

Last time we flew, my elder son was was 15 months old. We gave him a bottle with juice while ascending and descending. He had no problems.

Well ... today, he's 8. He has special needs and while mostly healthy, often has sinus infections and issues. So I'm concerned about sinus pain on the plane. Chewing gum is not an option, nor are lollipops, etc.

I'm going to talk to the pediatrician, but any suggestions from those who've been there?

Thank you!

I would recommend one of the kids' camelback sport bottles or really any type of water bottle/cup that he would have to suck on. This on top of whatever meds the doctor recommends should help.