Flying poorly (tomorrow) ?

^ This

Do it. Dose yourself up on Day Nurse or whatever and wear a mask. But you can cope for a couple of hours and sleep when you get there.

You are absolutely right about the ears but sinus barotrauma all by itself can be debilitating in certain circumstances...

I’ve had sinus issues in this area-that’s where your deep sinuses are which can be hard to reach with spray. I found after a few days of betmethazone drops they opened up, then fluticazone drops for a while after. Also had a course of steroid tablets. But I wasn’t having post nasal drip it was all trapped in my sinus then flooded out when sinuses inflammation shrank down.

Can you clear your ears? Congestion can cause issues with ears, and with the pressure changes you are at a higher risk of barotrauma (which is really not nice, lasts weeks, and can at worse case cause permanent ear damage).

If you can, there is obviously a risk of passing on an infection if you have one. Particularly within a recycled air tube. But you may well be past the riskiest point now. So difficult to know, if you feel up for travelling, but clearing the ears is the biggest thing I would check with a sinus infection.

Have you tried an antihistamine to ease off the post nasal drip? It can help

If the sinus inflammation is too deep in your sinuses you could see if doc thinks betmethazone steroid drops would be a good idea.

Are you actually aware of the crap that people go to their Dr with?

It’s useless against true sinusitis

Agree with sterimar

There’s a difference between sinusitis and a cold.

Pharmacy first thing for antibiotics. They are able to prescribe one, be warned follow the directions exactly, I didn't and threw the first dose back up! Worked a treat by day 2 and we had a lovely holiday.

You’re berating people for going to the GP . If you are unwell you should be able to see a doctor, as I said the state of the NHS isn’t the general publics fault

Is it a country where you can buy antibiotics over the counter? I used to do this when I suffered with my sinuses whilst living in the ME. No other remedies helped. You can also buy them on online pharmacies but they’re pricey. Cheaper buying over the counter if possible.

You need to be careful flying with ear/sinus infections as it increases your chances of barotrauma/perforation.

I used to be a cabin crew and once had a sinus infection. Got pulled out for a short 45 minute turnaround and had an awful earache during landing. Went straight to the airline medical centre and was grounded for 2 weeks. The GP said my eardrum was very close to perforating.

I would reevaluate in the morning. I remember when I was a kid, my brother was complaining of earache at the check in desk and we were turned away.

I flew long haul with a sinus infection and the plane pressure was horrendous. As soon as I got off the plane, I burst into tears because I just felt so awful.
if it's a 2 hr flight, will some strong over the counter sudafed work or sinutab?

This … I’d be furious if me and my two young children ended up sat next to someone obviously unwell.

Have you done a Covid test?

I experienced the same after flying long haul home with a sinus infection (and taking antibiotics for). The pain as we descended for landing was something else and I realised once in the car for the drive home I couldn't hear the satnav. My hearing came back after a few days so could have been a lot worse but I'd never risk it again.

@SENSummer try a steroid nasal spray then lots of hot drinks. Particularly lemon and honey tea!

I assume you've tried a super hot flannel across your face/sinus area? Or a neti pot thing?

Sudafed often does contain ibuprofen - and it's an NSAID and usual if you are allergic and ill with one it's the entire family...

This is not an ailment to cancel a family holiday for. Sounds like you’ll just need to get on with it.

Tesco “blocked nose relief” is just pure phenlyephrine so you can still take whatever paracetamol/ibuprofen etc you wish with it

For infos sake from UK CAA's Guidance for Health Professionals:

"The decrease in ambient pressure in the cabin as the aircraft climbs to its cruising altitude will cause any gas to increase in volume by approximately 30%. As the aircraft descends to land, the increasing cabin pressure will lead to a corresponding reduction in volume. Gas within body cavities may cause problems if it is trapped and unable to expand freely or if there is obstruction to the free flow of air preventing equalisation of air pressure. The effects of this are most commonly seen in passengers suffering from upper respiratory tract infections, who may suffer ear or sinus pain and bleeding (otic / sinus barotraumas)."

All the talk of ears, COVID etc is fine but the OP really has to find a way of unblocking their sinusitis.

https://www.caa.co.uk/air-passengers/about-your-trip/health-and-medical/guidance-for-health-professionals/physiology-of-flight/