Many people experience ear discomfort during flights, particularly as the plane ascends and descends. This sensation, often described as pressure or blockage, is usually temporary and resolves quickly. However, if you or your child are dealing with an ear infection, flying can become a more significant concern.
Before heading to the airport for your next trip, it’s crucial to understand how flying can affect your ears, especially when you have an ear infection. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your ear health while traveling by air.
How Air Travel Impacts Your Ears
The change in cabin pressure during flights is the primary reason our ears react. As altitude changes, the air pressure in the airplane cabin fluctuates. Our ears are designed to manage these changes through the Eustachian tube. This small passage connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and its role is to equalize pressure within the middle ear with the external environment. When cabin pressure shifts, the Eustachian tube opens to allow air to flow in or out of the middle ear, balancing the pressure. This is why actions like swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum can help your ears “pop” and relieve pressure.
Experiencing ear symptoms due to air pressure changes during flights is quite common. Research suggests that approximately 10% of adults and as many as 22% of children may experience changes in their eardrum following air travel.
The Increased Risks of Flying with an Ear Infection
When you have an ear infection, the Eustachian tube often becomes congested and blocked due to inflammation and fluid buildup. This blockage hinders the tube’s ability to effectively equalize pressure in the middle ear. As the plane’s cabin pressure changes, particularly during descent, the pressure difference between the outer and middle ear increases. Because the Eustachian tube is blocked, this pressure cannot be easily relieved. The continued pressure buildup can lead to significant ear pain and discomfort. In more severe cases, especially if the pressure becomes excessive, it can even result in a ruptured eardrum.
Children are often more susceptible to these issues because their Eustachian tubes are narrower and more horizontal compared to adults. This anatomical difference makes their Eustachian tubes more prone to blockage and less efficient at pressure equalization, increasing their risk of complications when flying with an ear infection.
Precautions to Take When Flying with an Ear Infection
Ideally, if you or your child has an active ear infection, postponing air travel is the most prudent course of action. Rescheduling your flight to a later date when the infection has cleared is highly recommended. However, if delaying your travel plans is unavoidable, there are several steps you can take to minimize the potential risks and protect your ears during the flight:
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Consult a Doctor Before Flying: It’s essential to visit a healthcare professional before your flight. They can assess the severity of your ear infection and advise on appropriate treatments or medications to manage it during travel.
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Consider Decongestants or Anti-Inflammatories: Medications such as decongestants or anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce swelling and congestion in the Eustachian tube. This may improve its function and aid in pressure equalization. However, always consult your doctor before taking any new medication, especially decongestants, as they may be contraindicated for individuals with certain medical conditions like heart disease.
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Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help keep the mucous membranes moist and may promote better Eustachian tube function.
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Chew Gum or Suck on Hard Candy: These actions encourage swallowing, which helps to open the Eustachian tube and facilitate pressure equalization during takeoff and landing.
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Avoid Sleeping During Ascent and Descent: Being awake during takeoff and landing allows you to actively equalize ear pressure by swallowing, yawning, or using other techniques as needed.
When Postponing Your Flight is the Best Option
While the above measures can help mitigate risks, it’s important to recognize when flying with an ear infection might be too risky. If you or your child is experiencing severe ear pain, fever, dizziness, or discharge from the ear, it’s crucial to postpone flying and seek medical attention. These symptoms could indicate a more serious infection that requires immediate treatment and could be significantly exacerbated by air travel.
Flying with an ear infection is not ideal and carries potential risks. While it might be unavoidable in some situations, understanding the impact of air travel on ear pressure and taking proactive steps can help minimize discomfort and prevent complications. Always prioritize your health and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice before flying with an ear infection.
