Sinus Infection While Flying last week - happening in my lungs

[zhenia and brent 0]

I returned to the US early last week. I spentr 14 total combined flight hours breathing cabin air.

Each time I fly it happens.... I get a sinus infection from hell that moves into my lungs after a few days. This time its the worst ever! This is much worse thatn my average sinus/chest infection... on a scale of 1-10; 1 = (normal) and 10 = (dead), I rate this one an 8.0.

My doctor has given me antibiotics in the past:

Avelox = like dropping an atomic bomb on your imune system. Kills ALL the bacteria, usually. This time its not working

Biaxin = strong, but has some side effects... fever and headache.

Levaquin = works after about 2 weeks after finishing the last of 14 tablets.

Z-Pac = does nothing for me.

Does anyone have any first hand experience from use on what meds work wonders on a severe upper and lower respiratory infection?

Maybe you have a suggestion about some over the counter or home remedies, for temporary relief??

I have an appointment Wednesday and would like to ask my Doc about trying something different.

Any information is appreciated.

[Teacher Mark 53]

I love Zicam. It is best if you use it when you first feel the cold coming on, but they claim it can help you get over one quicker. There have been reports that some people have lost their sense of smell after using it . I haven't had any problems with it and it had stopped sinus colds in their tracks for me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zicam

[sweet_peach 0]

When your flying does your sinuses feel dry and if so are you taking anything while in the air?

[zhenia and brent 0]

When your flying does your sinuses feel dry and if so are you taking anything while in the air?

Everything is normal in the air. I am not taking anything when I fly.

[zhenia and brent 0]

I love Zicam. It is best if you use it when you first feel the cold coming on, but they claim it can help you get over one quicker. There have been reports that some people have lost their sense of smell after using it . I haven't had any problems with it and it had stopped sinus colds in their tracks for me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zicam

I just woke up, so I am on my way to buy Zicam and try it. I'll let you know how it works. Thanks!!

[HarryGillung 2]

I am a pharmacist so I can chime in. Zicam is not probably going to do you any good at this point. You need to take it within 24 hours of onset of symptoms to shorten the duration of the cold and reduce the severity. The antibiotics you mentioned are the usual ones used for upper respiratory infections and are used to keep it from moving into your lungs and becoming pneumonia. Z-Pac is another one that is used alot. Of the ones you mentioned I am a fan of Biaxin or Erythromycin (much cheaper).

I am a fan of boosting the immune system so you can fight it off. Even if you take the antibiotics it is your immune system that wins the battle and why you get well. I am big fan of Airborne. It is also available in generic. I would go buy two bottles of it and take at least 2 tablets dissolved in 8 oz of water three or four times a day, due this to help reduce the duration and severity of your symptoms.

In the future when you are taking a long flight or are going to be in a situation where you will be in very close quarters with a lot of people take it 24 hours before and 24 hours after the event. It will help.

Hope you are feeling better.

Harry

[GeordieWife 1]

I myself am a survivor of frequent sinus infections and had sinus surgery 6 years ago. I have a regimen when I know I will be at risk for one. I irrigate my sinus vigorously with saline with a kit...see www.neilmed.com . Also, I use a steroid nasal spray like NasacortAQ in conjunction with an antihistimine like allegra or claritan (allegra works best for me). When I'm in full force infection, it usually takes something like augmentin in conjunction with a shot of steroid or medrol pack...or prednisone for a couple of weeks.

I really truly empathize with you on this. I'd also work on boosting your immune system with natural antioxidants like blueberries and green tea to help prevent problems in the future. Also make sure you get plenty of sleep.

For some people, sinus issues are huge and all consuming. I've finally managed to get it under control. It seems my body manifests STRESS in the sinuses so I try to keep the stress in my life under control as well.

I hope you feel better soon!

[kerewin21 2]

I agree with Geordie. Your solution is not antibiotics but rather nasal irrigation! We aren't supposed to treat sinus infections with antibiotics anymore anyway, as it's not been shown to make a significant difference in symptom relief and it has been shown to cause a lot of negative side effects (there are plenty of doctors who say they've been treating sinus infections with antibiotics for years, so they're not going to change, but it's no longer considered the right thing to do). They also haven't been shown to prevent pneumonia, despite many people's claim to the contrary.

I've seen many people's lives changed simply with nasal irrigation. One popular commercial product is the Neti pot http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/Netipot/...PotGateway.aspx

Also see http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/03/fashion/03skin.html

There have been several studies showing the benefit of this method, and there are no negative side effects other than perhaps a little squeamishness and maybe getting water on yourself.

Edited to add: If you have an allergic component, an antihistamine like allegra or claritin may help. Do you find that you get itchy eyes, runny nose or sneezing on the plane?

Edited September 1, 2008 by kerewin21

[zhenia and brent 0]

I am a pharmacist so I can chime in. Zicam is not probably going to do you any good at this point. You need to take it within 24 hours of onset of symptoms to shorten the duration of the cold and reduce the severity. The antibiotics you mentioned are the usual ones used for upper respiratory infections and are used to keep it from moving into your lungs and becoming pneumonia. Z-Pac is another one that is used alot. Of the ones you mentioned I am a fan of Biaxin or Erythromycin (much cheaper).

I am a fan of boosting the immune system so you can fight it off. Even if you take the antibiotics it is your immune system that wins the battle and why you get well. I am big fan of Airborne. It is also available in generic. I would go buy two bottles of it and take at least 2 tablets dissolved in 8 oz of water three or four times a day, due this to help reduce the duration and severity of your symptoms.

In the future when you are taking a long flight or are going to be in a situation where you will be in very close quarters with a lot of people take it 24 hours before and 24 hours after the event. It will help.

Hope you are feeling better.

Harry

Harry,

Thanks for your feedback. I tried the Zicam about 2 hours ago. It gives my skin a red rash like appearance... must be the zinc in the Zicam.

I am going to the store to buy the Airborne product that you mentioned. Thanks for the information.

It looks like all things are well for you and your Ukraine Bride! Congratulations!

[Teacher Mark 53]

I am a pharmacist so I can chime in. Zicam is not probably going to do you any good at this point. You need to take it within 24 hours of onset of symptoms to shorten the duration of the cold and reduce the severity. The antibiotics you mentioned are the usual ones used for upper respiratory infections and are used to keep it from moving into your lungs and becoming pneumonia. Z-Pac is another one that is used alot. Of the ones you mentioned I am a fan of Biaxin or Erythromycin (much cheaper).

I am a fan of boosting the immune system so you can fight it off. Even if you take the antibiotics it is your immune system that wins the battle and why you get well. I am big fan of Airborne. It is also available in generic. I would go buy two bottles of it and take at least 2 tablets dissolved in 8 oz of water three or four times a day, due this to help reduce the duration and severity of your symptoms.

In the future when you are taking a long flight or are going to be in a situation where you will be in very close quarters with a lot of people take it 24 hours before and 24 hours after the event. It will help.

Hope you are feeling better.

Harry

Harry,

Thanks for your feedback. I tried the Zicam about 2 hours ago. It gives my skin a red rash like appearance... must be the zinc in the Zicam.

I am going to the store to buy the Airborne product that you mentioned. Thanks for the information.

It looks like all things are well for you and your Ukraine Bride! Congratulations!

You shouldn't take medical advice from a truck driver!

[zhenia and brent 0]

I myself am a survivor of frequent sinus infections and had sinus surgery 6 years ago. I have a regimen when I know I will be at risk for one. I irrigate my sinus vigorously with saline with a kit...see www.neilmed.com . Also, I use a steroid nasal spray like NasacortAQ in conjunction with an antihistimine like allegra or claritan (allegra works best for me). When I'm in full force infection, it usually takes something like augmentin in conjunction with a shot of steroid or medrol pack...or prednisone for a couple of weeks.

I really truly empathize with you on this. I'd also work on boosting your immune system with natural antioxidants like blueberries and green tea to help prevent problems in the future. Also make sure you get plenty of sleep.

For some people, sinus issues are huge and all consuming. I've finally managed to get it under control. It seems my body manifests STRESS in the sinuses so I try to keep the stress in my life under control as well.

I hope you feel better soon!

Thanks for the www.neilmed.com site. I will mention Nasacort to my Doc. I agree that the natural antioxidants are great buffers. I am a fan of cranberry, pomegranate, and others. Sleep is something I need to work on. I have had the steroid shot twice.. it really affects my mood for the worst.

So, you have left me with good information, and its appreciated.

Thank you!

[Chuck and Grace 0]

I travel overseas pretty frequently and I used to get sick just about every time I traveled. As far as the meds, I would recommend the Z-Pac (need doctor prescription). But in general, Airborne may help, but I found taking vitamin see and trying to get enough rest while I am gone is the biggest help - also, drink a lot of fluids.

I now try to sleep at least every other day for more than 2 or 3 hours and drink lots of fluids, take vitamin C daily and I havent been sick since. I think my problem was not as serious as yours, just lack of rest, body gets run down and then the bad air on the plane - boom, sick every time.

[zhenia and brent 0]

I travel overseas pretty frequently and I used to get sick just about every time I traveled. As far as the meds, I would recommend the Z-Pac (need doctor prescription). But in general, Airborne may help, but I found taking vitamin see and trying to get enough rest while I am gone is the biggest help - also, drink a lot of fluids.

I now try to sleep at least every other day for more than 2 or 3 hours and drink lots of fluids, take vitamin C daily and I havent been sick since. I think my problem was not as serious as yours, just lack of rest, body gets run down and then the bad air on the plane - boom, sick every time.

I know what you mean.... "....just lack of rest, body gets run down and then the bad air on the plane - boom, sick every time." Before I take time off work to travel, I work a lot more, and sacrifice sleep and good diet, to take care of a lot of things that need maintained ahead of time while I am away. So I am sure that I was run down... I just have to learn to get rest and not sacrifice rest. The work will still be there to do when I return, right?

[Ken y Leidys 20]

This year, the Flonaze wasn't doing a thing for me. I had severe allergies. So, the doctor prescribed Prednisone and within 2 days, I was breathing normally, no allergies, no snoring, nothing. 1 month after using the medication, my allergies returned, but they were no longer severe enough that I felt like I was being suffocated.

[GeordieWife 1]

This year, the Flonaze wasn't doing a thing for me. I had severe allergies. So, the doctor prescribed Prednisone and within 2 days, I was breathing normally, no allergies, no snoring, nothing. 1 month after using the medication, my allergies returned, but they were no longer severe enough that I felt like I was being suffocated.

The nasal/sinus irrigations are good to prevent allergies too. It washes away pollen and irritants and can bring relief. Also if you check pollen counts in your area daily you'll soon see what outdoor triggers may set your allergies off. That way you can start antihistimines a few weeks before 'your pollen' blooms. Living in DFW area we have pollen year round from different trees weeds and grasses. Right now ragweed and Elm are up so I know the end of August start the Allegra daily.

The steroid treatments are the last resort for infections. They are powerful anti-inflamatories but taken for too long actually diminish your immune system....so use those with caution! (Plus they give you mood swings and elevate your heart rate). The long term affects are really bad so use caution.