Flying with a cold

[JenniferK]

We leave tomorrow morning, and of course DS came down with a cold Wed night. Nothing too horrible, just nasal congestion. I am concerned about his ears on the plane ride.

I myself have very sensitive ears, and even without congestion I know my ears will hurt during the whole flight. DS flew once before and didn't seem to have any problems with ear pain (he was 4 then, is 6 now). I am thinking I will give him a sudafed before we leave for the airport and gum to chew during the flight. Hopefully that will take care of it. What do you do when you fly congested? I am wondering if Benadryl would be better, but don't know if that and dry airplane air will be too much....

 

[disneyfaninaz]

There is something called EarPlanes. Check your local pharmacy. Anyway, this is supposed to help allleviate the pressure in your ears while flying. Haven't needed them myself, sudafed usually does the trick.

 

[ccudmore]

Trick that I've used before that worked well in a pinch. If someone gets really bad ear pain from the cabin pressure, ask the flight attendant for a hot wet teabag and a cup (preferably styrofoam). Put the teabag in the cup and place the cup over the ear. The combination of warmth and moisture will usually help lessen the congestion and the pain.

 

[JenniferK]

I got earplanes for myself before and they did not help, but as I said I am very sensitive.

Thank you for the tea bag tip - I will keep it in mind and hope not to need it!

 

[minniebeth]

There is Sudafed that is sold over the counter and then the one behind the pharmacist that requires a driver's license...the one over the counter won't do a thing. I have the same problem often and what really helps for me is any type of extra strength sinus headache/pressure reliever. Tylenol makes one and I think Sudafed brand does too. It's the pressure in your sinuses from the congestion that causes the pain too. I take it usually 1/2 hr. before the start of the flight which should last you through the flight.

Feel better! I know how horrible the pain can be...

 

[JenniferK]

I agree that only the "real" sudafed works. DH came down with the cold now, but he is much worse than DS. So far I am clear on that. My ears will hurt anyway, so it looks like we might all be having ear pain.

I told DH he can share a bed with DS and I am staying away from both of them!

 

[ToddyLu]

Like you my Mother has pain in her ears every time she flies. Neither she nor I can go below 7 ft in a swimming pool. She swears by Afrin, squirt it in before when leaving home and again right before flight. While it might be difficult to get DS to take it may help your DH. I know the pain can be unbearable. I hope everyone feels better soon.

 

[nettekay]

I too have ear pain when flying!! I have used ear planes since I foud them a few years back. They work great!! you do have to put them in before the cabin pressure changes. Good luck