Feeling congested a few hours before flying can be unsettling. Not only are you not feeling well, but, you have to adjust to the pressure and manage your symptoms in a tiny place seat. Although you were probably fine some weeks back when you booked your flight, illness symptoms can occur expectedly. If you’re confused about whether it's safe to fly while congested, keep reading to learn what to do if you’re congested while traveling and tips for congestion treatment while on the road.

If you’re in need of urgent illness symptom relief before your next big trip, visit AFC Urgent Care Aurora City Center. Our clinic offers rapid same-day illness diagnosis and treatment services without the need to schedule an appointment in advance. Our clinic is available 7 days a week from 8am-8pm and is conveniently located for patients in the Aurora, CO area.

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What Causes Congestion?

Congestion is a nasal blockage caused by a build-up of mucus. Congestion can make it challenging to breathe and can cause other related symptoms such as a runny nose and post-nasal drip. It can occurs due to a variety of different reasons. For example, exposure to environmental irritants like allergies and mild illnesses like the common cold can lead to the overproduction of mucus and swelling in the nasal cavity which can lead to congestion. 

A congested individual usually finds it difficult to control a runny nose, requiring a tissue to clean it which can make traveling while congested uncomfortable. In some cases, congestion can form into a sinus infection if not correctly treated. Congestion can cause a variety of symptoms but often causes facial pain, bad breath, and headaches.

Should I Travel While Congested?

Pressure change during air travel is constant. A healthy traveler will likely not feel the impact of the changes in air pressure. However, an individual experiencing congestion may experience some discomfort due to the increased pressure inside of the sinuses prior to boarding the plane. Your sinuses are also closely connected to your ears, which can make it hard for your ears to react to the pressure changes and pop, which can be painful during landing and takeoff. 

Not all cases of congestion are severe. If your symptoms are mild, you can proceed with your traveling plans. However, there is a risk of increased ear pain and a sense of dizziness during your trip. If you’re suffering from congestion and have upcoming travel, it safest option is to speak to a medical provider regarding your condition to ensure that it is safe to fly.

Rapid Congestion Treatment Near Aurora, CO

Being sick is never fun. Congestion can make it difficult to travel due to symptoms such as a runny nose or sinus pain. If your congestion is mild, you can proceed with your traveling plans if you feel up for it. However, severe cases of congestion should be checked out by a medical professional. Infections such as sinus infections may require treatment to resolve. AFC Urgent Care Aurora City Center provides patients near Aurora, CO with rapid illness diagnosis and treatment services on a walk-in basis, making it easy to get your illness symptoms taken care of before your trip.

If your congestion is mild, try these tips to help resolve it before your trip:

• Sleep with a humidifier in your room
• Take long hot showers to break up the mucus
• Use over-the-counter decongestants
• Rest and relax to allow your body to recover

Visit AFC Urgent Care Aurora City Center for Same-Day Illness Care in Aurora, CO

Traveling can be stressful, and managing an illness while on the road can make any trip difficult. If you’re hoping to resolve your illness symptoms before your next trip, look no further than AFC Urgent Care Aurora City Center. Our walk-in clinic is open 7 days a week with extended business hours so that you can get the medical care that you need. Simply walk into the clinic, or reserve your spot online.

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Our clinic is equipped with a full lab on-site, allowing our board-certified medical staff to perform diagnostic testing services at the time of your visit and ensure an accurate diagnosis. Based on the results, your medical provider will create a customized treatment plan to get you back to full health before you travel. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care. Walk in today.