Why do you need Afrin before flying?

A second intervention is topical Afrin nasal spray. Afrin is sold over the counter and contains Oxymetazoline, a chemical which causes blood vessels to constrict and will ultimately reduce swelling to help keep your sinuses and Eustachian tubes open.



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In order to maximize the ability of the eustachian tube and sinus passageways to work, we will give you a few helpful hints: 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.


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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.

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Flying whilst infected with a cold increases the risk of physical damage to the inner ear and sinuses.

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When the plane changes elevation during descent and ascent the sinuses must equilibrate to match the air pressure in the cabin but when the sinuses and eustachian tubes are blocked equilibration can be an issue. The pain occurs because of the restriction of air flow causing pressure in our sinuses.

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It's all due to pressure changes. As the plane starts to lose height, the pressure in the air around you changes. Until the pressure inside the tubes behind your eardrum adapts, the pressure inside and outside your ear is different.

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Take a decongestant before your flight. Reducing congestion will help prevent ear barotrauma (airplane ear). Remember to swallow and yawn during plane takeoff and landing. This helps your eustachian tubes open.

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