How do I decongest my ears before flying?


How do I decongest my ears before flying? Two common recommendations: 12-hour or 24-hour Sudafed or Afrin nasal spray. If you opt for the nasal spray, give yourself a spray 30 minutes before takeoff and again about 30 minutes prior to descent.


How do you fly with ear problems?

Do what you can to avoid “airplane ear”
  1. Swallowing. Swallowing opens the Eustachian tubes. ...
  2. Yawning. Yawning also opens the Eustachian tubes and is actually more effective than chewing gum.
  3. Staying awake. You don't swallow as often when you're asleep, so be sure to stay awake during takeoff and landing.
  4. Using decongestants.


What happens if you are congested and fly?

“If you've got inflammation blocking your means of equalizing the pressure, that's going to hurt,” he said. That pain can continue even after your flight as inflammation prevents the pressure from equalizing, Adalja added. It can also lead to trouble hearing, vertigo, and in rare cases, damage to the eardrum, Wu said.


What medication is used for blocked ears on planes?

Medications
  • Decongestant nasal sprays.
  • Oral decongestants.


How do you relieve ear pressure on a plane?

Yawn and swallow during ascent and descent. These activate the muscles that open your eustachian tubes. You can suck on candy or chew gum to help you swallow.


Does mucinex help with airplane ear?

There are a few things you can keep at home or in your flight bag to help fix your sinus pressure and ear block: Decongestants: Over the counter medications like non-drowsy mucinex will help clear inflammation and mucus from your sinuses, giving your body a better chance of handling pressure changes.


What is the best medicine to take before flying?

These drugs are usually taken shortly before a flight. They include: Anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax). Motion sickness medication, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).


What should you avoid before flying?

The 16 Best and Worst Foods to Eat Before Flying
  • High Salt Snacks. Chips and other salty snacks are generally packed for long trips. ...
  • Fried Foods. Fried foods are also high fat foods, which tend to take longer to digest compared to others. ...
  • Beans. ...
  • Spicy Foods. ...
  • Garlic. ...
  • Cruciferous Veggies. ...
  • Coffee. ...
  • Carbonated Drinks.


What medications should not be taken before flying?

These include any hormone-based drugs, like the contraceptive pill and some fertility medicines, and drugs used to prevent heart attack and stroke. Antihistamines should also not be used to help passengers sleep during a flight.


What medications should you avoid when flying?

These include any hormone-based drugs, like the contraceptive pill and some fertility medicines, and drugs used to prevent heart attack and stroke. Antihistamines should also not be used to help passengers sleep during a flight.