How to Reduce Nasal Congestion Before Flying

Reducing nasal congestion before flying may keep you more comfortable while you travel. Air travel can cause considerable nasal and ear congestion and by alleviating your nasal congestion before you take off, you will feel better. See your doctor before traveling by air with your concerns about nasal congestion. After a thorough medical examination, he can determine the cause of your congestion, and suggest treatment options. There are solutions to your nasal congestion that can get your breathing clearer.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor's appointment
• Antibiotic
• Steroid medication
• Oral decongestant
• Nasal decongestant spray

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Instructions

• 1

  Go to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you recently had a cold or the flu or if you have allergies that he may not be aware of. After your physical examination, your doctor may recommend an X-ray of your sinuses to check for any obstructions. Your doctor will develop a treatment plan after he has diagnosed the reason for your nasal congestion.

• 2

  Ask about antibiotics. If you have a bacterial infection, you will need an antibiotic. An upper respiratory infection may cause you to have significant nasal congestion. An antibiotic will clear up the infection and after it is resolved, your nasal congestion will be reduced. You should resolve your infection before flying.

• 3

  Inquire about steroid medications. Nasal congestion can be caused by inflammation of the sinus passages and nasal tissue. An oral steroid or steroid nose spray can help decrease inflammation, and provide clear nasal passages to help you breath better before you embark on your trip.

• 4

  Try an oral decongestant. An over-the-counter decongestant may help relieve your congestion. This will also help while you are on the plane to alleviate ear popping. Check with your doctor before taking a decongestant, because decongestants can have side effects such as a rapid heart rate and insomnia.

• 5

  Try a nose spray. An over-the-counter nasal spray might work to temporarily reduce your nasal congestion before flying. They work very fast. However, do not use them every day because they can have a rebound effect, where the congestion may become worse. Ask your doctor if this might be a good choice for you.