Sinus Infection While Flying last week - happening in my lungs

[Ling Ling 22]

Zicam - I like it, appears to work when used properly (soon enough).

Airborne - Used to use it, but have stopped since there's a class-action lawsuit that has been won based on the fact that Airborne could not substantiate their claims.

Rest - This is probably the best prescription for a healthy flight. 14 hour flights to/from Tokyo can take their toll without proper rest.

My number one suggestion is using a face mask with a moisture barrier.

The mask will filter out the air, and the moisture barrier works like your own personal humidifier.

Since I've started using a mask when I fly (and getting at least 4 - 6 hours sleep) I haven't gotten sick from a flight.

Also...avoid the airline blankets...they do NOT wash them. Those things may look clean, but they're filled with bacteria.

Bring your own blanket or throw. Some people bring their own pillows. People might look at you a little strange, but

none of those people are going to be around to help when you're sick, so they REALLY don't matter.

Happy flying

[natty bumppo 297]

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.

spent lots more time than this in planes on a regular basis .... without problems.

ever consider jumping from the plane at altitude ... without a chute ... heard it's a sure cure.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

The only way to get ride of it is a series of antibiotics. Good luck with that and get plenty of rest with lots of fluids.

[zhenia and brent 0]

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.

So, here is what I ended up with from the doctor's office. 2.5 CC steroid shot. Avelox 10-day cycle of antibiotic. Albuterol inhaler. Codine liquid for the cough. Oral prednisone steroid 10-day supply. Albuterol nebulizer treatment for twenty minutes. Diagnosis = Acute Bronchitis & Sinus infection. Copay for the office visit = $20.00. Steroid shot & nebulizer treatment = $20.00 copay. All other prescriptions = copay $20.00. Without health insurance = $475.00. I am thankful that I have health insurance. I can breathe!

Thanks to everyone for your advice. I shared with my doc, the information about the steroid shots.

I started feeling better within four hours of the treatments at the office.

[Ms. Squirrel 11]

Avalox is good stuff, I take it for my sinus infections too. It feels like it pushes all the mucus out of your sinus on day 2. Good stuff!

Get well soon!

[*JG* 2]

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.

So, here is what I ended up with from the doctor's office. 2.5 CC steroid shot. Avelox 10-day cycle of antibiotic. Albuterol inhaler. Codine liquid for the cough. Oral prednisone steroid 10-day supply. Albuterol nebulizer treatment for twenty minutes. Diagnosis = Acute Bronchitis & Sinus infection. Copay for the office visit = $20.00. Steroid shot & nebulizer treatment = $20.00 copay. All other prescriptions = copay $20.00. Without health insurance = $475.00. I am thankful that I have health insurance. I can breathe!

Thanks to everyone for your advice. I shared with my doc, the information about the steroid shots.

I started feeling better within four hours of the treatments at the office.

Made me think.....health insurance.......PRICELESS!

Hope you feel better.

[sus 70]

I agree with the nasal irrigation - I have suffered chronic sinus infections for years - actually had surgery 1 month ago to correct my deviated septum, amazed at how well I can breathe!

But the neti pot and saline solution has been my lifeline at keeping them clear.

[*JG* 2]

I was told I had asthma that manifests itself when I get a severe cold. The prescriptions the doctor gave you are very similar to what I have had in the past.