Is it okay to take Sudafed before flying?


Is it okay to take Sudafed before flying? Spray Afrin nasal decongestant spray twice into each nostril one hour prior to flying. Begin taking a decongestant, like Sudafed, one hour before the flight. Both of these medications can be purchased over-the-counter in a drug store.


When should I take antihistamine before a flight?

Take this medicine at least 30 minutes or, even better, 1 to 2 hours before you begin to travel.


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.


Is it OK to fly with sinus pressure?

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.


What is the best sinus relief for flying?

If you have sinus pressure during flights then you should bring along a decongestant spray (Oxymetazoline or Phenylephrine), found in the nasal aisle at the drug store, and use it approximately one hour before a flight of any duration.


What happens if you fly with sinus issues?

If your sinuses are congested, however, there will be an unbalanced amount of pressure. Not only can that be a very painful experience, but it can also increase nasal congestion, heighten allergies, worsen colds, and even trauma to the sinuses, if severe enough.


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.


Should I syringe my ears before flying?

Can a patient have irrigation prior to flying? Yes, flying is not a contraindication to ear irrigation. Once the wax has been removed, you should advise the patient to keep their ears dry for 2-3 days to allow the ear canal to produce more wax, which is its natural protection.


What medicine to take before flying for ears?

To ease discomfort, you can take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), or an analgesic pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).


How do you relieve head pressure on a plane?

If you start to notice this pressure building, you can try some of these strategies:
  1. Take an antihistamine if needed before your flight. ...
  2. Yawn or swallow during takeoff.
  3. Try chewing a piece of gum or candy during takeoff, if yawning and swallowing don't work for you.