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What are the Best Tips for Flying with an Ear Infection?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

If at all possible, it is best to avoid flying with an ear infection because the change of pressure in the cabin can cause a great deal of pain. Avoiding air travel, however, is not an option for many people, especially those who travel regularly on business and those who work in the field of air travel. For people who must fly, there are two key ways to avoid pain and complications: use an over-the-counter decongestant and make sure to swallow frequently.

People who have a serious ear infection should consult a medical professional before flying. Those with a mild ear infection will usually be able to manage with an over-the-counter decongestant. A decongestant can either be taken orally, in the form of a capsule, or can be applied topically, as a liquid that is put into the nose either with a dropper or with a spray nozzle.

Sucking on hard candy may help relieve pressure in the ears while flying.
Sucking on hard candy may help relieve pressure in the ears while flying.

In addition to taking a decongestant during or just prior to a flight, those who will be flying with an ear infection can begin using the decongestant on the day and evening prior to the flight. This will help to manage inflammation in the sinuses and in the ear canal, which will help to lessen the pain.

The second method of managing the discomfort of an ear infection while flying is actually a trick that many people use to avoid pain in their ears during takeoff and landing. It is during these times in the flight that the cabin pressure undergoes the greatest changes, which can cause the greatest amount of pain in the ears, especially for those with an ear infection. Making sure to swallow frequently is a good way to manage the way that the cabin pressure affects the ears.

Chewing gum can relieve ear pressure caused by changes in barometric pressure when flying.
Chewing gum can relieve ear pressure caused by changes in barometric pressure when flying.

Most people do this by chewing gum during takeoff and landing. Chewing gum causes the mouth to produce extra saliva, which in turn causes the person chewing the gum to swallow more frequently than he would otherwise. For those who don't like to chew gum, sucking on a throat lozenge or a piece of hard candy can help to relieve pressure in the ears as well.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Discussion Comments

Pippinwhite

Yeah, don't if you can avoid it. It's excruciating. I have a friend who flew from Key West, Florida to her home in northern California with an ear infection. She had to do it to get home. She's been miserable for two solid weeks.

My sister also flew with an ear infection and said the flight was incredibly painful. She said taking a decongestant about an hour before her return trip made that flight a little better.

I might recommend an NSAID for those who can take them. They are known to reduce swelling and inflammation. I've flown with a head cold and that was bad enough.

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    • Sucking on hard candy may help relieve pressure in the ears while flying.
      By: Bert Folsom
      Sucking on hard candy may help relieve pressure in the ears while flying.
    • Chewing gum can relieve ear pressure caused by changes in barometric pressure when flying.
      By: blende40
      Chewing gum can relieve ear pressure caused by changes in barometric pressure when flying.
    • Air travel is not recommended for people suffering with an ear infection.
      By: Shchipkova Elena
      Air travel is not recommended for people suffering with an ear infection.
    • Sucking on a throat lozenge can help ease ear pressure when flying.
      By: kostrez
      Sucking on a throat lozenge can help ease ear pressure when flying.
    • Pressure in the ears can be especially uncomfortable during takeoff and landing, when altitude is changing quickly.
      By: Colin Hanrahan
      Pressure in the ears can be especially uncomfortable during takeoff and landing, when altitude is changing quickly.
    • Children with ear infections may find flying especially painful.
      By: philippe Devanne
      Children with ear infections may find flying especially painful.