Some cold prescriptions when you're flying

Flying with a cold is never pleasant, but travel doesn't make allowances for such ailments. Here's a collection of basic remedies to consider if you find yourself taking a clogged head and runny nose to the airport.

First, the primary tactic for traveling with a cold is to keep your nasal passages and Eustachian tubes open. Unfortunately, the dry atmosphere in airplane cabins makes it harder for these narrow passages to drain properly. Along with the changes in air pressure in the cabin during takeoff and landing, a blockage can result in excruciating head pain.

Take a decongestant medicine about half an hour before you actually get on the plane, and repeat the dose as necessary during a long flight.

Doctors often recommend using pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, a decongestant sold in a variety of brand names, such as Contac, Sudafed or Actifed.

Other decongestant products also provide an antihistamine, which reduces the swelling of nasal membranes. Although antihistamines can leave you feeling drowsy, that might be a plus on a long flight.

Nasal drops and sprays also can provide quick relief. Over-the-counter remedies such as Afrin and Neo-Synephrine 12-Hour, whose active ingredient is Oxymetazoline, are good choices. Even a simple spray of saline solution in each nostril can help.

For headaches and fever, acetaminophens such as Tylenol won't irritate the stomach, but common aspirin also is a good option. Aleve Cold and Sinus combines pseudoephedrine with naproxen, a strong anti-inflamatory pain reducer.

If you have a dry cough, suppressants such as dextromethorphan (Dixoral or Benylin) can reduce the urge to cough. On the other hand, if you're coughing up phlegm, an expectorant containing Guaifenesin (Robitussin or Scottussin) is a better choice. It's an either/or choice because combining both approaches is counterproductive.

If your ears clog during the flight, don't try that old prescription of chewing gum, which will only dry your throat. A better choice is sucking on a Lifesaver or throat lozenge, especially if they contain Benzocaine oral anesthetic. Throat-soothing nostrums such as Halls, Fisherman's Friend and Slippery Elm will work.

The usual technique for clearing your ears is to simultaneously pinch your nose, open your mouth wide, swallow and gently force air into your Eustachian tubes.

But if that doesn't work and the pressure in your ears continues to build, here's a simple, but surprisingly effective procedure. Ask the cabin attendant for a Styrofoam cup, a paper napkin and a little hot water. Wad up the napkin, put it in the cup, add the water, and place the cup over the clogged ear. While holding a cup over your ear may not do much for your image, the damp warmth may relieve the pain. Another option: placing a warm, moist towel over the forehead also can ease the pressure of sinusitis, as well as soothe itchy eyes.

Daubing a bit of Vaseline inside each nostril also will help to keep nasal membranes moist and help clear nasal passages. A thin film of Vicks VapoRub or Tiger Balm in your nostrils or on your chest may help breathing. A smear of ChapStick may also provide some relief.

There should be no problem carrying your medicines with you. The new TSA security regulations allow travelers to take up to three ounces of liquids or gels with them on the plane, and that should be plenty to get you through a flight.

This brings up another important point: stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids -- ideally water or fruit juices -- during the flight to counteract the dry atmosphere. While you can't take liquids from home, once inside the security area, you can buy a bottle of water to carry on the plane.

Sipping on a warm beverage will soothe both the throat and sinus. A cup of coffee or tea will do, but a little chicken soup would be best. Take a bouillon cube from home and ask the flight attendant for a cup of hot water.

On the other hand, stay away from alcohol, which has a dehydrating effect.

One last bit of advice: Take a handkerchief or plenty of tissues, both for your comfort and that of your fellow passengers.