Flying with ear infection

[PrincessK]

Sitting at the QP waiting to board QF127 to HKG. After a terrible flight on Thurs SYD-Mel-SYD with what I thought was simply a cold, it turns out I have an ear (and chest) infection. Aside from nasal decongestants and the antibiotics I'm already on, is there anything the AFF docs recommend to make landing more bearable?? Or does anyone have the details of a good doc in HKG Am allergic to penicillin so that doesn't help with rapid treatment.

 

[mannej]

Something to chew on!

 

[PrincessK]

Chewing gum, check!

 

[markis10]

Make sure you have a sick bag handy, vertigo is one of the possible side effects of flying with an ear infection. I would also suggest hunting down some ear planes, to allow for the pressure changes to be more gradual in the ears.

Flying with Colds and Sinus Infections by MedicineNet.com

 

[Hvr]

I guess an aisle seat so you can run if you're going to be sick.

Do you know a Dr in HKG? Or can you get a phone consultation with your own Dr whilst you're away?

 

[PrincessK]

Make sure you have a sick bag handy, vertigo is one of the possible side effects of flying with an ear infection. I would also suggest hunting done some ear planes, to allow for the pressure changes to be more gradual in the ears.

Flying with Colds and Sinus Infections by MedicineNet.com

Thanks Markis10, off in rapid search of ear planes!! This is not sounding like a fun flight! J makes it slightly more bearable!

 

[PrincessK]

Don't know a Dr in HKG, HVR, but have good friends there so can probably find one if necessary.

 

[ash.1111]

Travel insurance. I'd never risk travelling in that state. The amount of horror stories I have heard... Let alone the pain caused from having an URTI whilst flying.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Sitting at the QP waiting to board QF127 to HKG. After a terrible flight on Thurs SYD-Mel-SYD with what I thought was simply a cold, it turns out I have an ear (and chest) infection. Aside from nasal decongestants and the antibiotics I'm already on, is there anything the AFF docs recommend to make landing more bearable?? Or does anyone have the details of a good doc in HKG Am allergic to penicillin so that doesn't help with rapid treatment.

There is a doctor landslide in Chep lap kok airport at the end opposite to CX. Collect bags go up a floor

very good. $HKG400 plus he will dispense medicine

 

[PrincessK]

Thanks Sprucegoose!! Hopefully won't be needed, but good to know.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Thanks Sprucegoose!! Hopefully won't be needed, but good to know.

if you need it don't try to find it, get assistance.

lets hope you don't it it!!

happy landing!

champagne is good for each ache.

 

[Awesom Andy]

Personally, I would ground myself if I have only a common cold, but if I must fly, I would take a pseudoephedrine tablet about 30min before descent. It's not magic, but it helps for me, although your results may vary. To help relieve pain as well, the Panadol cold & flu combines paracetamol and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride into 1 tablet.

While these are over-the-counter drugs, you should, of course, consult your doctor/physician before considering taking them.

 

[straitman]

If you cannot pop your ears then flying is a no-no. You could easily burst an ear drum and end up with all sort of problems.

 

[The Rok]

I flew over Christmas with a middle ear infection. Saw the doctor before I flew and he advised me not to fly as I could burst an ear drum.

I stood to lose too much money so I took the chance. He gave me penicillin to kill the infection and Panadine Forte (30mg Codeine) to kill the pain.

I was ok in the end, no burst ear drum, but I was aware of the fact that it was a BIG risk to take.

 

[opusman]

Get very very drunk.

 

[kpc]

If you cannot pop your ears then flying is a no-no. You could easily burst an ear drum and end up with all sort of problems.

I flew over Christmas with a middle ear infection. Saw the doctor before I flew and he advised me not to fly as I could burst an ear drum.

I stood to lose too much money so I took the chance. He gave me penicillin to kill the infection and Panadine Forte (30mg Codeine) to kill the pain.

I was ok in the end, no burst ear drum, but I was aware of the fact that it was a BIG risk to take.

Technically, if you receive a doctor's advice to not travel with an ear infection, but you fly anyway, and something goes wrong eg perforated ear drum, your travel insurance does not cover you for medical care OS, not to mention the risk of permanent hearing loss

 

[Princess Fiona]

Sitting at the QP waiting to board QF127 to HKG. After a terrible flight on Thurs SYD-Mel-SYD with what I thought was simply a cold, it turns out I have an ear (and chest) infection. Aside from nasal decongestants and the antibiotics I'm already on, is there anything the AFF docs recommend to make landing more bearable?? Or does anyone have the details of a good doc in HKG Am allergic to penicillin so that doesn't help with rapid treatment.

Antibiotics are unlikely to have any influence on the effects of flying, IMO decongestants and the valsalva manœvre performed regularly on descent are likely to be of benefit if you must fly ( having endured pain worse than childbirth and being deaf for a week after ignoring my own advice when I didn't need to fly )

 

[BoyZeus]

Warm olive oil on a cotton bud in your ear will get rid of it overnight

Tried and tested!

 

[PrincessK]

Survived the flight with virtually no pain at all. Not sure if it was the Ear Planes or the constant chewing of gum (gross). My infected ear IS very blocked now I've landed but the flight was far worse back from Melb on Thurs. I've ruptured both ear drums before so I didn't really want a repeat of that experience.

BoyZeus now to procure some olive oil from the hotel kitchen without them looking strangely at me...

Thank you all for your tips and advice!

 

[Gold Member]

Sure it wasn't more than just an ear infection???

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