OK fly with a sinus infection?
Oct 9, 2006 | 6:50 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Chicago
Programs: United GS, AA Plat, Starwood Gold, AC
Posts: 367
OK fly with a sinus infection?
Is it safe to fly with a sinus infection? Even if it is, is it a bad idea?
Is there anything I can do to alleviate any problems (other than taking the train!), like maybe taking Claritin?
I have to travel to NYC tomorrow (Tuesday) from Chicago. I started developing a sinus infection yesterday (Sunday), and was able to start taking Zithromax right away. But I can still feel it.
I saw a couple things on the Internet saying it could cause 'discomfort' or 'pain'
but nothing about it being unsafe. Does anyone know? Has anyone tried it?
I actually do have the option of taking Amtrak if this would be a problem, but it would take almost 19 hours.
Is there anything I can do to alleviate any problems (other than taking the train!), like maybe taking Claritin?
I have to travel to NYC tomorrow (Tuesday) from Chicago. I started developing a sinus infection yesterday (Sunday), and was able to start taking Zithromax right away. But I can still feel it.
I saw a couple things on the Internet saying it could cause 'discomfort' or 'pain'
but nothing about it being unsafe. Does anyone know? Has anyone tried it?I actually do have the option of taking Amtrak if this would be a problem, but it would take almost 19 hours.
Oct 9, 2006 | 7:08 am
#2
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,481
Originally Posted by Capite
Is it safe to fly with a sinus infection? Even if it is, is it a bad idea?
Is there anything I can do to alleviate any problems (other than taking the train!), like maybe taking Claritin?
I have to travel to NYC tomorrow (Tuesday) from Chicago. I started developing a sinus infection yesterday (Sunday), and was able to start taking Zithromax right away. But I can still feel it.
I saw a couple things on the Internet saying it could cause 'discomfort' or 'pain' but nothing about it being unsafe. Does anyone know? Has anyone tried it?
I actually do have the option of taking Amtrak if this would be a problem, but it would take almost 19 hours.
Is there anything I can do to alleviate any problems (other than taking the train!), like maybe taking Claritin?
I have to travel to NYC tomorrow (Tuesday) from Chicago. I started developing a sinus infection yesterday (Sunday), and was able to start taking Zithromax right away. But I can still feel it.
I saw a couple things on the Internet saying it could cause 'discomfort' or 'pain'
but nothing about it being unsafe. Does anyone know? Has anyone tried it?I actually do have the option of taking Amtrak if this would be a problem, but it would take almost 19 hours.
I cant say if it is unsafe but I can say it is extremely uncomfortable if the infection is bad enough
Oct 9, 2006 | 7:10 am
#3
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Athens, WV, USA; a US cockroach long before it was in FFOCUS; now a lowly US5 for only the 2nd time in 20 years.
Programs: US5
Posts: 3,050
I've flown with them before. Be sure to take a decongestant an hour or so before boarding. If you have a headache with it, take something for the pain (I use Excedrin... the caffeine is a plus). Make sure you drink lots too to keep from drying out (doubt you will NYC-ORD unless you get stuck on a tarmac). Long ago they had a prescription Entex LA that worked good for me, but they don't make it anymore AFAIK. The OTC Mucinex is probably the closest you'll find now.
As usual, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
As usual, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Oct 9, 2006 | 8:22 am
#6
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,062
Consider using a decongestant nasal spray like Afrin if you still feel congested the day of the flight it may work better than Sudafed. I concur with the recommendation for Entex LA (now it's Entex PSE) from your doctor. It has a long-acting sudafed and a medicine to thin out your mucous. Tylenol Severe Congestion over the counter is similar, but not long-acting. The biggest risk with the sinus infection is that it will plug your Eustachian tube which connects the ears to the nose. You could easily rupture an ear drum. I have never heard of anyone rupturing a sinus flying, but some of the sinuses have pretty thin walls, just hope they rupture out and not in towards your brain 
Oct 9, 2006 | 8:30 am
#7
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 97
Years ago, I flew while congested and didn't take any medication. It was torture on the ascent/descent. When I got on the ground, I couldn't hear out of one ear for the there days until I got back onto a plane. Interestingly, once we got to altitude on that second flight my "deaf" ear equalized and all sorts of brown(!) fluid drained from my nose.
Sorry for the nasty description, but by all means take medication.
Sorry for the nasty description, but by all means take medication.
Oct 9, 2006 | 8:38 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Chicago
Programs: United GS, AA Plat, Starwood Gold, AC
Posts: 367
Originally Posted by cme2c
The biggest risk with the sinus infection is that it will plug your Eustachian tube which connects the ears to the nose. You could easily rupture an ear drum.
I have never heard of anyone rupturing a sinus flying, but some of the sinuses have pretty thin walls, just hope they rupture out and not in towards your brain
You are joking, yes?
Oct 9, 2006 | 11:35 am
#9
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Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Bryn Mawr PA & Wailea HI
Posts: 15,726
Originally Posted by Capite
Is it safe to fly with a sinus infection? Even if it is, is it a bad idea?
Is there anything I can do to alleviate any problems (other than taking the train!), like maybe taking Claritin?
I have to travel to NYC tomorrow (Tuesday) from Chicago. I started developing a sinus infection yesterday (Sunday), and was able to start taking Zithromax right away. But I can still feel it.
I saw a couple things on the Internet saying it could cause 'discomfort' or 'pain' but nothing about it being unsafe. Does anyone know? Has anyone tried it?
I actually do have the option of taking Amtrak if this would be a problem, but it would take almost 19 hours.
Is there anything I can do to alleviate any problems (other than taking the train!), like maybe taking Claritin?
I have to travel to NYC tomorrow (Tuesday) from Chicago. I started developing a sinus infection yesterday (Sunday), and was able to start taking Zithromax right away. But I can still feel it.
I saw a couple things on the Internet saying it could cause 'discomfort' or 'pain'
but nothing about it being unsafe. Does anyone know? Has anyone tried it?I actually do have the option of taking Amtrak if this would be a problem, but it would take almost 19 hours.
MisterNice
Oct 9, 2006 | 10:09 pm
#10
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,062
Originally Posted by Capite
I can feel that my eustachian tubes are ok, and I can open them at will. You are joking, yes?
You are joking, yes?
Oct 9, 2006 | 10:22 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: RSE
Programs: AA Exp|VA Platinum
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Abit of scare mongering going on here. I flew at Christmas LGW-NAP with a bad cold I was actually considering not taking the flight as I was worried about my ears but I had no problems I took 4 sudafed 2 just before boarding then 2 more about 1 hour into the flight. If you follow your pharmacists advice you shouldn't have any problems. Yes peoples ear drums can be damaged but that is quite rare.
Oct 9, 2006 | 10:32 pm
#13
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: DCA
Programs: AA Platinum
Posts: 940
Good luck! I am a fan of the sprays myself. Quick hit right before take off and landing. I blew out an ear drum going into LGA about 2 years ago - thankfully on business because the medical bills for being treated on the plane and at the airport were steep but the company paid since insurance didn't.
Oct 9, 2006 | 10:43 pm
#14
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: NW Fla. - VPS, PNS
Programs: DL, NW, HH
Posts: 333
My dr. recommends Sudafed a couple hours before takeoff and a blast of Afrin after boarding. Only use the Afrin for the flight, not at other times. Otherwise you could get a rebound effect with the congestion.
Oct 9, 2006 | 11:07 pm
#15
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London UK, The Hague NL, the world
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Posts: 218
Originally Posted by linsj
Also take Ocean (saline) nasal spray. Use it 30 min. before take off and landing.
You might also be interested in a fast acting antihistamine, such as Benadryl. Note that this stuff is also in the same class of medicines as sleeping meds, so it can make you very drowsy. I take it whenever I get a bad infection.
A strong, black tea several times a day also helps, the tannins and heat in the tea are quite soothing.
You are lucky that the flight is short! Good luck.