Can you get a sinus infection from flying with a cold?

The dry air, low pressure, and the low amount of oxygen cause the immune system to weaken and can lead to inflamed sinus cavities. This, in addition to being confined in a small area with little airflow, makes it hard to avoid getting sinusitis from another sick passenger.



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By failing to equalize sinus and ear pressures with cabin pressure, a congested nose can result in blockages of the Eustachian tube (connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose). This can quickly lead to a mid-flight medical emergency, such as bleeding or rupturing of the eardrum or hearing loss.

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Avoid Sinus Pain on an Airplane By: Drinking plenty of water will help your body resist the effects of poor ventilation and high altitude. Before and during the flight, make sure you drink about 5-8 glasses of water in order to maintain healthy levels of hydration. Invest in a Saline Solution.

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Feeling unwell directly after a flight is often the cause of low humidity. Planes have a different atmospheric pressure than we are used to, which can cause the nasal passages to dry, leading to symptoms resembling flu.

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Jet belly: (noun) the bloated state in which your stomach inflates post-flight. Also, a very unpleasant feeling. May also make you look like you're 3 months pregnant. So how does one prevent this jet belly? Well, it all depends on what you eat on the plane.

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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.

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If you or a travel companion gets an injury or sickness that can't be helped with basic first aid or an over-the-counter medicine, seek medical attention right away. Visit Getting Health Care During Travel to learn how to connect with a doctor or medical services during your trip.

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