Head congestion, sinus stuff, ear fluid

[teacups]

Both kids are on Zpacks for the above, and I'll have them on decongestants. We leave in 3 days. Doc RX'd nose spray and pills for allergy (which they dont have) but pharmacist said just use childrens Sudafed.

What happens if you fly with congestion? Details please....

At what point (with regards to congestion) do you cancel the flight?

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

Here is a link to an article that I found. If you use a decongestant, it will really help and should eliminate what would cause the problem.

www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00472.html

 

[witch of the east]

buy saline water nose drops they are safer for the kids, if not, afrin is not bad.lots of water and gum for there ears it will help their ears from hurting from the stuffed noses[old trick from scuba diving] good luck1

 

[CableKC]

Here is a link to an article that I found. If you use a decongestant, it will really help and should eliminate what would cause the problem.

www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00472.html

This is the best solution. I learned the hard way that I inherited my GrandMother's bad sinuses after I took off on a flight and had a really bad sinus headache ( complete with a sharp pain in my nasal cavaties ). From my understanding, sinuses and/or your nasal cavaties do not react well to pressure. It gets progressively worse if you have mucus / stuffiness and congestion.

Ever since then, before I board a plane...about 2 hours before...I would take some nasal Decongestant to clear up any congestion that I may have. For kids...they can take the flavored syrups.

This should allow for the stuffiness and congestion to clear in enough time before you board the plane.

Of course, check with a doctor....but there should be no harm in taking some decongestant before hand...even if your kids don't have any issues. It should...hopefully....help alleviate the "popping" in your ears.

 

[gardengirl2790]

We use a product called, "Earplanes", they are ear plugs used by pilots, etc., and have worked like a charm on my ears, and on my DD's, which we have troubles with. You can find them at Target, etc., and are about $4.50 per set. Each set can be used for two flights only. They may seem expensive, but they have been amazing. As mentioned before, Saline is a good idea too.

 

[PrincessSitka]

get airbourne

 

[ZeusNike]

I heartily second the Earplanes idea! I have sinus problems and my one ear doesn't equalize pressure properly. It was getting so painful when we would travel that I was starting to wonder if I might have to stop flying. Then I found Earplanes and I have not had any problems with my ears on a plane since...not even when my allergies are at their worst!

 

[godalejunior]

I third the earplanes. I would also consider calling your ped's office and asking them if you are unsure about it.

 

[FirstTimeCruiser]

I fourth the EarPlanes! They work great, both my son and I flew with a cold and used them and had no problems at all. They have a children's size too for smaller ears.

 

[mikayla73]

I wish I had known about those! DH and I went to Jamaica in Dec and he got a light cold while we were there. I felt fine, but little did I know, I had a little congestion too. The ride on the airplane brought it out! I was MISERABLE!! My ears were clogged and it sounded like I was in a tunnel. I tried everything to "pop" my ears, and just couldn't. I even asked the pilot what to do when I got on my connecting flight home. The take off and landing felt like my head was going to explode, I was almost to the point of tears. Once we landed or got stablized in the air, the pressure was still there, but it was less and at least tolerable. I called the dr first thing in the morning and he gave me some stuff to help clear it up. It took about two days to get my hearing back to normal. Dh had the same problem, but he waited a day before calling the dr and he took about 4 days to get back to normal.

I don't mean to be all doom and gloom, but just wanted to share my experience as I had no idea it would be like that. I would take precautions if I had a cold/sniffles in the future. Good luck and have a great trip!!!