Should I take a nasal decongestant before flying?

If you have nasal congestion, use a nasal spray about 30 minutes to an hour before takeoff and landing. Avoid overuse, however, because nasal sprays taken over three to four days can increase congestion. Use decongestant pills cautiously.



People Also Ask

About 30 minutes before the flight use a nasal spray (such as Afrin or Neo-Synephrine). 3. If you have allergies and are having symptoms, an antihistamine should be taken.

MORE DETAILS

Get filtered earplugs which help to gradually equalize the air pressure against your middle ear. During the flight, relieve pressure by sucking on lollies, chewing gum, yawning, breathing with your mouth open, or pinching your nostrils while gently breathing through your nose.

MORE DETAILS

Treat congestion before your trip
If you're congested from allergies or an upper respiratory infection, it's important to do what you can to resolve the congestion before you fly. Common treatments for congestion include antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroid sprays.

MORE DETAILS

Medication is sometimes prescribed on a temporary basis to treat the symptoms of a flying phobia, such as anxiety and nausea. These drugs are usually taken shortly before a flight. They include: Anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax).

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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).

MORE DETAILS

With a doctor's approval, adults can take a decongestant. “If it's a short flight, take it [the decongestant] before leaving,” House says. If it's a long flight, eight hours or so, you might take it an hour or so before the scheduled landing.

MORE DETAILS

1. About one hour before expected descent, take a decongestant (such as Sudafed- 12hr). 2. About 30 minutes before the flight use a nasal spray (such as Afrin or Neo-Synephrine).

MORE DETAILS

Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container. You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage.

MORE DETAILS

As a rule of thumb, you should avoid flying if you have: A fever of 38° C or higher and a severe cough or. Difficulty breathing or. Chest pain or.

MORE DETAILS

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

MORE DETAILS