Travelling On Plane, Sneezing, Congested With Air Conditioning, Allergy To Dust Mites

Posted on Mon, 18 Apr 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 Answered on

Sat, 6 Oct 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : when I travel on a plane, I start sneezing and get very congested with the :air conditioning. I am leaving XXXXXXX tomorrow for San Francisco. What I can do to prevent this? I do not have allergies except mildly to dust mites.

Answered by Dr. Kiran Kumar Kalal (1 hour later)

Hi XXXXXXX,

Thanks for your query,

Plane is a site for germ accumulation due to its air conditioning and proximity to other people. Dry mucus of nostrils can also get easily infected by the cold virus.

The best way to avoid nasal congestion is to use normal saline spray two drops each in both nostrils half hour before the flight.Take plenty of fluids in the flight. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol. Wash your hands with warm water, soap and use sanitizer every time you go to the lavatory.

Hope I have answered your queries. I would be available if you have any further questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar