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Is Flight Travel Safe If One Has Swollen Glands With Neck And Earache?
Posted on
Sat, 14 Oct 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 14 Oct 2017
Answered on
Wed, 8 Nov 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi, I got the flu 3 days ago and have to jump on a plane in two days. I have 24hrs to figure out if it’ll be okay for me to fly with swollen glands, neck/ear ache and clogged head.
I’ve flown while recovering from a sinus infection and the pain was intense, and I really don’t want to experience that again. Since this isn’t sinus, is it safe to fly?
I’ve flown while recovering from a sinus infection and the pain was intense, and I really don’t want to experience that again. Since this isn’t sinus, is it safe to fly?
Brief Answer:
should have less discomfort but some would be expected
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The flu or cough/cold can affect the sinuses in some persons as well.
The clogged feeling that you are experiencing is usually due to blockage of the sinuses even if you have no other sinus symptoms.
The absence of all the typical sinus infection symptoms should mean that you would have less discomfort on flying but there may still be some symptoms that do occur.
The use of a antihistamine decongestant 30 to 45 mins before the flight may help eg benadryl d, claritine d, allegra d, zyrtec d
In addition, you should add a topical decongestant such as otrivine or normal saline and pain medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
If you have a nasal spray such as flonase, nasonex or nasocort, this would also be helpful as well
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
should have less discomfort but some would be expected
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The flu or cough/cold can affect the sinuses in some persons as well.
The clogged feeling that you are experiencing is usually due to blockage of the sinuses even if you have no other sinus symptoms.
The absence of all the typical sinus infection symptoms should mean that you would have less discomfort on flying but there may still be some symptoms that do occur.
The use of a antihistamine decongestant 30 to 45 mins before the flight may help eg benadryl d, claritine d, allegra d, zyrtec d
In addition, you should add a topical decongestant such as otrivine or normal saline and pain medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
If you have a nasal spray such as flonase, nasonex or nasocort, this would also be helpful as well
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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