How to Fly With a Common Cold

Flying with a common cold can be dangerous, according to Howard Francis of Johns Hopkins University. If you fly with a cold, the ear's natural ability to maintain equal pressure on both sides of the eardrum is hampered by swollen membranes. Your eardrum can become stretched, causing great amounts of pain, fill with fluid and develop an infection, or even burst. if you have no choice but to fly with a cold, there are ways to lessen your risk of developing unpleasant side effects and make the trip as comfortable as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Nasal decongestant
• Earplugs
• Oral decongestant
• Throat lozenges
• Chest salve
• Instant, freeze-dried soup
• Bouillon cube
• Aspirin
• Bottled water or fruit juice

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Instructions

• 1

  Spray a nasal decongestant into each nostril 30 minutes to one hour before takeoff and landing.

• 2

  Pinch your nostrils tightly closed, keep your mouth shut and force the air out of your nostrils, as if blowing your nose. Use during ascent, descent and periodically during the flight.

• 3

  Wear earplugs during the flight to restrict the air flow to your eardrums and help maintain even pressure. Put them in your ears before takeoff and leave them in until the plane has landed.

• 4

  Take an oral decongestant 30 minutes to one hour before your flight. Some decongestants contain antihistamine, which will reduce the swelling and inflammation of your nasal membranes.

• 5

  Suck on throat lozenges during the flight that contain the herb, Slippery Elm, or the oral anesthetic Benzocaine.

• 6

  Rub a chest salve containing eucalyptus on your chest before the flight.

• 7

  Sip on warm beverages during the flight to help soothe your throat and sinus area. Bring instant, freeze-dried soup sold in 1-serving packets or bouillon cubes from home. Ask the flight attendant for a cup of hot water to make instant and soothing soup.

• 8

  Take aspirin before the flight if you have a headache or fever. Follow the dosage recommendation on the bottle.

• 9

  Drink fluids during the flight to stay hydrated and help flush the cold out of your system. Bring your own bottled water or fruit juice on the plane.