Flying with a sinus infection

[luvmy3jewels]

My family is flying to Orlando tonight and I have a really bad sinus infection.

Does anyone have any advice/experience with flying with a sinus infection? I've heard it can be painful, so I'm a little nervous about it, particularly at take off and landing.

Thanks!

 

[DJT]

I have used Afrin nasal spray before boarding in the past when I had sinus issues. I don't use it all the time though because it can be addicting. I used it only when flying. It really opens the passageways up.

 

[karliebug]

Take a decongestent about 20 minutes before take off. I would also buy ear planes at the drug store or at the airport (they are little rubber earplug type things that you screw into your ears for take off and landing). once you get to cruising altitude you can take them out and then put them back in before landing. I would also take some kind of pain reliever ahead of time if you have a headache.

 

[Snoozan]

I'd recommend taking Sudafed ASAP and another dose about an hour before your flight. My sister(an ex-Air Force navigator)recommends Afrin nose spray for sinus issues when flying and I heartily recommend the Ear Plane ear plugs. You can get these at any drug store/Walmart. Another hint I've gotten was if you do experience ear pain/stuffiness on the plane is to get from the flight attendent 2 cups with a little bit of hot water and a paper towel stuffed inside. Make sure there are no drips of hot water and cover both ears with the cups. Apparently the steam/heat relieves ear pressure, which should help with sinuses, I'd imagine.

 

[NotUrsula]

The best decongestant to prevent sinus pain from pressure is a combo of Pseudoephedrine and guaifenesin, such as Mucinex-D. To get anything with pseudoephedrine these days, you have to ask for it at the pharmacist's counter and show ID, but you don't need a prescription. (Though you can get this formula by prescription, that version is called Entex.) The only decongestant you can buy on the open shelves is oral phenylephrine, which isn't nearly as effective as pseudoephedrine for most folks -- go to the pharmacist.

Nasal sprays help by dilating the nasal passages to allow relief from the pressure; you can get them OTC, or you can ask your Dr. for a steroidal nasal spray with hydrocortisone in it. The active ingredient in Afrin is Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride.

It is also a good idea to bring a bottle of water on board and be sure to drink from it during ascent and especially during descent. Swallowing helps to keep your ears from becoming painful. If you are taking guaifenesin, this is especially important, because it is dehydrating.

 

[tlinus]

Just flew with a double ear infection and sinus infection. Doctor gave me Entex, but I would go and get either Tylenol Severe Cold, Mucinex D or one of the others st the Pharmacy counter. She also advised me to use 2 squirts of Afrin in each nostril right before boarding.

Hope this helps - have a great trip!!