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AIBU?

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Original poster

Flying poorly (tomorrow) ?

213 replies

SENSummer · 09/08/2026 15:39

So we fly first thing tomorrow on a family holiday (me, hubby and two kids <6).

A week ago I started with cold and have had horrid sinus/general cold symptoms. Went to the doctors got a steroid spray (they were thoroughly disinterested as I didn’t have a temperature) but the sinus pain was so bad I felt sick. The steroid spray did very little, I’ve been struggling all week. Doesn’t seem to be improving and awful post nasal drip (tmi sorry). I just feel rubbish but it’s been a week now usually I shake things off or they at least improve. I’ve spent today in bed covered in Vicks and felt awfully sick.

I said to hubby I didn’t think I’d manage it tomorrow. I struggle with my sinuses on planes at the best of times and it can be really painful. He looked at me like I was nuts because it’s ’just a cold’.

We have insurance but given I’m ’not that unwell’ and the doctors shrugged it off I doubt we’d be able to claim on it. Hubby thinks I’m at the end of it and will start to feel better in the next couple of days so should just push through. I do push through things quite well usually but I just feel grotty and so disappointed that it’s a week in and I’m still this rubbish!

OP posts:
Nowimhereandimlost · 09/08/2026 20:31

I had the most awful sinusitis last year, lasted weeks. We flew 2 hours on holiday and I swear to god, the cabin pressure unplugged something. I won't go into it because it's gross but it was kind of incredible and I improved after that. So, it might help!

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 09/08/2026 20:24

SENSummer · 09/08/2026 15:52

This is what I’m worried about. I get IBS and am very sensitive with meds I often react badly with upset stomachs. Just about manage paracetamol with food.

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I get IBS, and I use Sudafed nasal spray, @SENSummer - it has never caused me any issues.

TheOlivePoet · 09/08/2026 20:21

Neilmed sinus rinse is the only thing that gets rid of my sinusitis. It's genuinely amazing. I had three lots of antibiotics one time and it didn't shift and then did the rinse and it was sorted in a couple of days.

You can pick it up in boots with the bottle in a pack. Do it a couple of times before you go and take it with you and you'll feel so much better.

Minasama · 09/08/2026 20:17

SENSummer · 09/08/2026 15:47

I vomit really badly on ibuprofen so I’ve been scared to take sudofed as worry same thing would happen. I’d rather have the sinuses than be throwing up but I’m not sure if it’s similar or not??

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Sudafed is not chemically related to Ibuprofen so well worth a try. Ibuprofen is known to cause stomach issues, Sudafed is pretty benign. It’s fantastic for sinuses.

MiniCoopers · 09/08/2026 20:17

Oh OP, I’m sorry you’re feeling rubbish but it sounds like a nasty head cold? What do you think is going to happen - should everyone else stay home?

Sartre · 09/08/2026 20:15

Meh I’d just go. You’re not vomiting, you don’t have a fever so it’s not serious. You might feel naff but your DC are undoubtedly looking forward to it, I wouldn’t be able to let them down over a bit of sinus bother.

Original poster
SENSummer · 09/08/2026 20:10

SENSummer · 09/08/2026 20:08

I’ll wear a mask that’s not a big deal

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Sorry I thought you were concerned specifically because it may be Covid. I’d wear a mask regardless if I thought I was contagious with anything. Just in the plane though with the recycled air and all. I’m not phased about whether it’s covid or not

OP posts:
Itsbeenalongtimeincoming · 09/08/2026 20:10

Of course we can’t diagnose you or know the seriousness but would warn you as I had a good friend whose eardrum burst from getting on a plane with sinusitis.

Original poster
SENSummer · 09/08/2026 20:08

Wadsworthy · 09/08/2026 20:04

You still need to wear a mask. Why would you be so selfish as to travel with a possibly communicable infection and spoil other people’s holidays?

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I’ll wear a mask that’s not a big deal

OP posts:
Original poster
SENSummer · 09/08/2026 20:06

Piggywaspushed · 09/08/2026 19:54

This is the DH you were in the throes of divorcing six months ago, right?

Yes, in fairness our marriage is much improved on the whole. High needs DS has stabilised we’ve found reliable carers. The situation is much improved.

OP posts:
Wadsworthy · 09/08/2026 20:04

SENSummer · 09/08/2026 19:48

Honestly hubby says Covid isn’t a big deal anymore, no precautions are taken even in the hospitals it’s basically just another common cold/virus like all the rest. I asked if it might be Covid and his response was ‘probably there’s so many strains of it now’ I asked if I should test and he said no there’s no point. Sorry I wasn’t avoiding that question.

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You still need to wear a mask. Why would you be so selfish as to travel with a possibly communicable infection and spoil other people’s holidays?

BagsyTimBradford · 09/08/2026 20:02

Why is your husband adamant you don't have an infection when you're so tired and lethargic? As I've found out after recurring sinus issues this past year lethargy is a common symptom of infection.

Existentialistic · 09/08/2026 19:56

SENSummer · 09/08/2026 19:48

Honestly hubby says Covid isn’t a big deal anymore, no precautions are taken even in the hospitals it’s basically just another common cold/virus like all the rest. I asked if it might be Covid and his response was ‘probably there’s so many strains of it now’ I asked if I should test and he said no there’s no point. Sorry I wasn’t avoiding that question.

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I hear what you’re saying and yet if you were sitting next to an elderly person or someone whose immune system was compromised, maybe someone who has just had cancer treatment, their holiday could be ruined by catching it from you. You’ve said yourself that you’ve felt very unwell with it at times. Please be considerate….. hope you’re feeling better very soon.

Piggywaspushed · 09/08/2026 19:54

This is the DH you were in the throes of divorcing six months ago, right?

Original poster
SENSummer · 09/08/2026 19:48

Existentialistic · 09/08/2026 19:42

You seem to be avoiding the questions about Covid OP. No doubt as your husband is a doctor you’ll both understand the importance of protecting others who may be vulnerable (on the plane and elsewhere) by wearing a mask. 😷

Honestly hubby says Covid isn’t a big deal anymore, no precautions are taken even in the hospitals it’s basically just another common cold/virus like all the rest. I asked if it might be Covid and his response was ‘probably there’s so many strains of it now’ I asked if I should test and he said no there’s no point. Sorry I wasn’t avoiding that question.

OP posts:
Original poster
SENSummer · 09/08/2026 19:45

Datgal · 09/08/2026 19:18

I've had post nasal drip for a year now (after a virus). Mine didn't present like normal sinusitis. No congestion or anything. Was treated with a long course of antibiotics and ENT referral later. Nothing has helped. Basically have to live with it. Flying was fine btw...flown twice and no associated pain. I'm presuming because my sinuses aren't actually blocked.

Did you have pain with it and if so did you fly with any pain?

OP posts:
Existentialistic · 09/08/2026 19:42

You seem to be avoiding the questions about Covid OP. No doubt as your husband is a doctor you’ll both understand the importance of protecting others who may be vulnerable (on the plane and elsewhere) by wearing a mask. 😷

Beeloux · 09/08/2026 19:42

I had a sinus infection from hell last year. I know technically, GPs won’t prescribe antibiotics for them until you’ve had symptoms for at least 2 weeks but I ended up making an appointment after a few days.

I was sweating, shivering and a high fever. My home thermometer was showing 37 but when they took it at the surgery, it was almost 39. I was also seeing black spots and had an awful pain at the top of my neck. The nurse prescribed antibiotics and took it quite seriously. She said if my fever didn’t go down by the end of the day, I needed to go to A&E.

Thankfully a few days, I felt a lot better.

Original poster
SENSummer · 09/08/2026 19:37

TwinklyRoseTurtle · 09/08/2026 19:15

As a health professional it drives me mad when I read in mumsnet that usually the OP’s husband is a Dr and gaslights the wife that there is nothing wrong with them then the wife is usually ill requiring antibiotics - depending on where you are going OP the pharmacies are usually pretty good in most European countries so you may need to visit one of them I imagine as if you are already having ENT/ sinusitis issues then flying is only going to make it worse

See I love this comment. Generally IRL if I ever mention DH is a doctor people seem to assume I am in receipt of stellar health care at home. Like ‘oh you’re lucky to have your own doctor’ and who knows perhaps if I had a serious medical emergency he would be great…but day to day he’s just immensely invested in my ability to crack on and generally bemoans other healthcare professionals actually treating me or the kids as being over cautious. His speciality means that if you’re breathing independently he’s basically not interested 😬

He obviously does not want me to drop dead but neither does he care if I’m in pain on the flight or have side effects from my current illness. It’s just inconvenient. All weeks he’s been telling me I’d likely be recovered by now and it’s annoying I’m not.

OP posts:
Hankunamatata · 09/08/2026 19:20

guaifenesin liquid - usually marketed as chesty cough syrup.

Will clear post nasal drip

Datgal · 09/08/2026 19:18

I've had post nasal drip for a year now (after a virus). Mine didn't present like normal sinusitis. No congestion or anything. Was treated with a long course of antibiotics and ENT referral later. Nothing has helped. Basically have to live with it. Flying was fine btw...flown twice and no associated pain. I'm presuming because my sinuses aren't actually blocked.

TwinklyRoseTurtle · 09/08/2026 19:15

As a health professional it drives me mad when I read in mumsnet that usually the OP’s husband is a Dr and gaslights the wife that there is nothing wrong with them then the wife is usually ill requiring antibiotics - depending on where you are going OP the pharmacies are usually pretty good in most European countries so you may need to visit one of them I imagine as if you are already having ENT/ sinusitis issues then flying is only going to make it worse

Ineffable23 · 09/08/2026 19:15

SENSummer · 09/08/2026 19:09

I went to the docs because it was presenting so oddly. Intense pain in my sinuses but not cold or flu symptoms and at that point the post nasal drip hadn’t started so I didn’t know what the heck was going on.

Ive noted the comments about going deaf after flying. I’ve not struggled with my ears (touch wood) and I have had hubby (he is a doctor but not an ENT or anything) look in my ears and he thinks they look fine. Understand that congestion wouldn’t always be visible but still it’s something.

I live in a remote village and ventured to the petrol station which is the only things nearby open on a Sunday with medical stuff. There was not much unfortunately but hubby says there’s a boots in the terminal.

Ive perked up a bit tonight. It keeps happening in fairness, mornings and evenings seem ok ish but 10-4 is generally horrid.

They gave me memetosone spray which for two weeks. I took it for 5 days and stopped yesterday because it seemed to make it worse. Worried that was stupid but hubby is saying he wouldn’t re start it now. It just seemed like I was better on a morning/evening and then struggling through the day whilst I was using it much more.

I’ve just been desperate to feel better all week but no idea what to do

You don't need anything at home to steam your head, so please do try that tonight. It's really surprisingly effective.

Original poster
SENSummer · 09/08/2026 19:14

Hankunamatata · 09/08/2026 19:13

Migraine?

I initially thought that as the pain was so bad I was seeing spots and that was a contributing factor to hubby suggesting I get seen. Since the post nasal drip started it’s much clearer it’s sinus related

OP posts:
Hankunamatata · 09/08/2026 19:13

Migraine?

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