Can I fly with a sinus infection?


Can I fly with a sinus infection? If suffering from a sinus infection while flying, you may experience severe sinus pressure and pain. We recommend avoiding air travel when possible if you have a sinus infection. By treating the root cause of your sinus pressure and pain, you can avoid a lifetime of painful flights.


Does flying lower your immune system?

Some recent studies do in fact suggest that traveling, especially flying, can have a negative effect on your immune system, thus making it easier for you to get sick.


Can you fly with a head cold?

It is recommended that if you have a cold that you do not fly; this should be enforced by airlines in the case of aircrew, and aircrew are required to self-report any symptoms of cold, flu, or similar.


Does flying dry your sinuses?

Sinus infection Moreover, the dry air in the cabin can cause dehydration of the nasal passages, weakening your body's defense against germs. Changes in air pressure during take-off and landing can block the Eustachian tubes, leading to inflammation and infection as well.


Can you fly with middle ear and sinus problems?

If you're awake during ascents and descents, you can do the necessary self-care techniques when you feel pressure in your ears. Reconsider travel plans. If possible, don't fly when you have a cold, a sinus infection, nasal congestion or an ear infection.


Does flying make nasal congestion worse?

Airplane air is dryer than typical air. The low humidity of cabin air can inflame the sinus's delicate mucous membranes. The lack of moisture can also disrupt their natural cleaning process—leaving you more vulnerable to infection.


Can flying with a sinus infection damage your ears?

The pressure changes that occur during this time cause rapid changes in the air pressure and balance of your ear, which can cause the condition. The condition can be triggered by the common cold, sinus infections, and ear infections, and in rare cases could lead to hearing loss or chronic tinnitus.


How do you get rid of a stuffy nose before flying?

What to do before you fly with cold symptoms
  1. Take decongestants. Medicines like Sudafed work to reduce swelling around your Eustachian tubes, giving the ear more of a shot at equalizing, says Linder. ...
  2. Try nasal sprays. Really stuffed up? ...
  3. Pack lozenges. Keep hard candy to suck on or gum to chew in your carry-on as well.


Can you be denied boarding if sick?

It is important to note that an airline has the right to refuse a passenger if staff believe that the passenger meets the following conditions: if the passenger could be considered a potential safety hazard, might require medical attention during the flight, has a condition that might deteriorate during the flight, or ...


Can you fly with fluid in your ear?

If at all possible, it's best to avoid flying when you or your children have an ear infection or a sinus infection.


How can I breathe better on a plane?

Choose a seat in the middle of the plane. As the air circulates across the rows and not up and down the plane, some experts believe the worst air is in the front or the back of the plane. Stay well hydrated by drinking lots of fluids (water or fruit juice) and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which will dehydrate you.


Can flying with a cold damage your ears?

If you fly with a head cold or seasonal allergies, Dr. Pinkston said it's possible you may significantly stretch your eardrum because your Eustachian tubes wouldn't be working properly to equalize pressure. If the stretching of the eardrum is considerable, these problems may occur: Capillaries in the ear break.


Can an airline stop you from flying if you are sick?

Infectious Diseases
An airline can deny boarding of any passenger who looks unwell, especially if they suspect the passenger might be infectious (infect other passengers).