Plugged Ears

Fred Choate wrote:
Never thought of the Benadryl....thanks, I will try that if this happens
again.

Fred

"Longworth" wrote in message
oups.com...

Fred,
I had never experienced plugged ears while flying but occasionaly had
problems in scuba diving. Plugged ears resulted from both the rate of
pressure change and your physical condition (onset of a cold etc.).
I'd suggest leveling off the next time that your ears felt
uncomfortable. Continue to descent may damage your eardrums. If any
discomfort lingers after a flight (or a dive), antihistamine pills
provide great relief. We always pack Benadryl for our dive trips and
take it only at night, never during the day time, and at least 12 hours
before the next dive. However, for flying both Rick ad I draw the
limit of not taking Benadryl at least 24 hrs before acting as PIC.

Hai Longworth

Please be careful. Some of the drugs mention in this thread can cause
drowsiness and/or aggrivate blood pressure. Your AME can provide useful
info.

I agree. This is why I stated our 24 hrs limit for taking Benadryl
before flying.
Here are the FAA guidelines from this website
http://www.aviationmedicine.com/allergies.htm

Over-the Counter Antihistamines

"The over-the-counter products such as chlorpheneramine (Clortrimaton,
CTM) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) found in many commercial products
cause drowsiness. They are not permitted by the FAA and a pilot should
wait at least twice as long as the dosing recommendation after the last
dose to fly. For example, if the directions read take every six hours",
the pilot should wait at least twelve hours after the last dose before
considering flying. These medications may have subtle adverse effects
for much longer in some individuals. Chronic treatment with over the
counter antihistamines requires a 24 hour wait after the last dose
before flying, according to the FAA Guide for Aviation Medical
Examiners."

Decongestants

"Decongestants, such as Sudafed, are often used with allergies to
constrict blood vessels in the nose and relieve the running nose.
Pseudoephedrine, found in Sudafed, and phenylpropanolamine, found in
many other products, are both approved. These medications act
throughout the entire body by constricting blood vessels. Side effects
may include an increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure and
difficulty urinating in men with prostate problems. Because the
frequently keep individuals awake, they are often combined with
non-approved antihistamines sold over the counter. These combinations
of decongestants and OTC antihistamines are not approved within twelve
hours of flying."