Flying with a head cold? Recommend remedies!

[aqua_tek]

So... I have a flight to catch tomorrow at dawn. And I woke up today with a goddamn head cold. It's not horrible but there is some congestion. My real concern is regarding my ears. It's not unusual for people with head colds to get some nasty ear clogging durig a flight.

So basically, I want to get rid of this cold asap. Or if not, at least figure out a way to survive his flight with my ears still in good shape.

I might have to go see a doctor about this. But if it's something that can be taken care of with OTC stuff and I can avoid going to a doctor, even better.

So... Any suggestions? Any similar stories in which you were able to find a solution to this? Please share.

Oh and cancelling the flight is not an option.

[myxomat0515]

Zicam always works for me. Go for the swabs, not the pills. I'm feeling sick too. Hope its not H1N1.

[SubFunk]

flights are the most boring thing ever, i always try to get wasted. it's a good remedy against colds as well, at least it does work for me every time.

[flogistox]

chewing ordinary gums during the flight always helped me in those cases...

[arachnaut]

This once happened to me on a flight and I asked the stewardess what to do.
She put two wet face cloths into two paper cups and put them in the microwave to
get them steaming. Then she gave them to me to wear over my ears for a while.
The steam was very soothing and that helped a lot.

[bosonHavoc]

scotch and lots of it

[UKRuss]

Five minutes before landing simply get out into the aisle and start racking out sets of ab crunches with loud accompanying gym noises before announcing loudly that you're inviting the drinks trolley for a coffee morning and it's now time to go.

Lunge for the door.

The screams will take your mind off your popping ears.

[SubFunk]

scotch and lots of it

+1

[slowdancer]

MOONSHINE

[ark]

Aspirin reduces swelling. I personally have found that when I have a stuffed nose and take aspirin, it seems to make it less bad. I don't know if that's just me, or if it's my imagination, or there is something real going on, but I offer it as a suggestion.

My other suggestion is that I have found that breathing very hot air seems to reduce congestion. I have heard the theory that viruses can't stand the heat, but don't know whether there's any truth to it. Nevertheless, I have noticed that when I use a hair dryer to blow hit air in my face for a while, it reduces my congestion. A sauna works well too, but you may have an easier time finding a hair dryer.

[q.musgrove]

Vicodin... and lots of it! Friend tells me his doctor actually recommends it for colds. For the symptoms, not cure of course.

[Slightlydelic]

if your going to use a decongestant just be sure to make sure it wont wear of during the flight, the reverse squeeze is far more risky to your ears.

defintly dont valsalva if your decongested.

[Ed J]

scotch and lots of it

+1

+7. Scotch > x [ x (- anything ]

[Sibanger]

I suffer from pretty severe symptoms when flying.
My inner ear tubes are interrupted, so I can not equalize properly when flying or diving etc. Similar to having a permanent head cold.

I hate flying because every time the plane starts to descend, my head feels like it has been put in a vice and the closer to ground,
the more excruciating the pain becomes. It seriously hurts like fuck.

A nasal decongestant spray has worked for me. 12 hours before flight, and just before you get on board.

Earplanes are a product I would like to try next time I fly.

Good luck.

[Nokatus]

I can not equalize properly when flying or diving etc.

You're mixing underwater?