| By :
Bessie Jo Tillman
Sinusitis flying problems could keep you grounded depending on whether you have sinusitis from an acute infection or a more chronic sinus problem. If your sinusitis flying problem stems from a recent onset of sinus infection, then consider yourself grounded. Most doctors would advise that you not fly with any kind of infection for two reasons. Number 1 reason: you don't want to infect other people. With the recirculated air in the airplane cabin, germs get recirculated too spreading infection all around. Number 2 reason: You may experience increased pain in your sinuses and face on takeoff and landing. This pain occurs because the air pressure in the plane is lower than the ground air pressure as the plane rises. If your sinuses are obstructed from the infection, then the air pressure cannot equalize inside your sinuses because the expanding air cannot flow out of your sinuses. The expanding trapped air puts pressure on the walls of your sinuses causing intense pain or headache. Bleeding in your sinuses or nerve damage could occur with high levels of pressure. So, stay out of the air with an acute sinus infection. But don't let chronic sinusitis keep you out of the air. You can take several steps to make your flight more comfortable. 1. Always ask your doctor if it's safe for you to fly. 2. Take the usual precautions for staying healthy.
Get adequate rest the night before your flight. Sleep 8-9 hours.
Drink plenty of fluids the day before and after your flight and during your flight, about six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per 24 hours.
Exclude all alcoholic beverages, dairy food and sodas and drink only water.
Keep your immune system healthy. Ingest those healthy organisms found in probiotics for seven days before and after you fly. 3. An hour before you board the airplane ingest an oral decongestant and if needed a antihistamine preparation. Depending on how long these medications stay active in your body, you may need to take another dose during and after the flight. Ask your doctor for a prescription or a recommendation for an over the counter preparation. 4. Set up barriers for those germs trying to take up residence in your sinuses with these remedies. Some folks find that taking a silver solution works as a good preventive measure for them. Others find eating fresh garlic three times a day before and after your flight works well. Crush one clove of garlic, cover it with honey and eat heartily. Of course, that remedy may work because no one dares to sit close to you. Eating a sprig of fresh parsley helps absorb the garlic breath and gives you some extra germ defense with its content of vitamin A. Vitamin A helps keep mucus membranes healthy. 5. Keep your nasal and sinus mucus membranes moist during your flight. The dry air inside the jet cabin dries your mucus membranes. Drinking plenty of water will help keep them moist. Also, try these other tricks. Take a bandana with you, moisten it, and then tie it over your nose and mouth. As you inhale, the bandana releases the moisture into your nose and sinuses. Put some more water on it before it dries completely. If you would prefer to not look like a bandit, then buy some nasal saline spray at a pharmacy. Mist your nostrils frequently during your flight and the day before and after your flight. Have a pain free and enjoyable flight by utilizing these 5 tips to help deal with sinusitis flying problems.
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