Have Severe Pain In Ear While Landing In Flight. What Could Be The Reason?

Posted on Sat, 7 Sep 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 7 Sep 2013 Answered on

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi

My wife ( 25 age) having pain in her ear from last night. two days back we traveled in flight . during landing she got heavy pain , not sure if that is the reason. please advise ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It can be the reason...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Pressure changes in the flight during take-off and landing can induce ear injuries especially on the tympanic membrane (ear drum). Besides ear drum injuries, pressure changes can cause eustachian tube block which can lead to persisting ear ache.

At this point of time, I would like to know if she has any of the following complaints:
1. Is she hearing normally on both ears?
2. Is she feeling blocked ear?
3. Do you find discharge from her ear?
4. Does she notice ringing sensation of her ear?
5. Is she running fever?
6. Lastly whether she has nasal congestion/block, sore throat, headache and any other unusual complaints?

As you type answers to the above questions, encourage her to chew a chewing gum and do not instill any drops/water into the ear.

Awaiting your reply...

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar