Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Intense Ear Pain While Taking A Flight?
Hi,I had sore throat and a bit of cold, I went for a flight and had a lot of pain during takeoff and landing.I performed the Valsalva s manoeuvre but they didn t pop so trued once again after landing but since the second time I have severe pain in my ear. What could be the reason
Mon, 29 Apr 2019
Hello,
When your flight takes off and the plane begins its ascent, the air pressure inside the inner ear quickly surpasses that of the pressure outside.
The tympanic membrane or eardrum swells outward. Conversely, if air pressure inside the inner ear rapidly becomes less than the air pressure outside, the tympanic membrane will be sucked inward, almost like a vacuum effect.
Whether ascending or descending, the stretching of the eardrum can cause pain.
During this time, the eardrum is not able to vibrate, so you experience decreased hearing and muffled sounds. It has been good that you have been doing Valsalva.
If you are sick with a cold or allergies, the Valsalva maneuver is not recommended, as it could cause a severe ear infection.
Instead, try a lesser known method called the Toynbee maneuver: Close your mouth and nose and swallow several times until pressure equalizes.
Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy and swallowing is strongly recommended. It does necessary equalization of pressure in the Eustachian tube.
Avoid sleeping during ascent or descent. Drink lots of fluids in-flight to stay hydrated. Yawn.
Try EarPlanes, specially designed ear plugs that have a filter to equalize pressure.
Use nasal spray 1 hour prior to landing and only as-needed. Overuse of nasal sprays can cause more congestion.
Take a decongestant 1 hour before landing and also post-flight until ears normalize. If you are very sick with a cold, the flu, allergies or congestion you should avoid air travel.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr AJEET SINGH, General & Family Physician
When your flight takes off and the plane begins its ascent, the air pressure inside the inner ear quickly surpasses that of the pressure outside.
The tympanic membrane or eardrum swells outward. Conversely, if air pressure inside the inner ear rapidly becomes less than the air pressure outside, the tympanic membrane will be sucked inward, almost like a vacuum effect.
Whether ascending or descending, the stretching of the eardrum can cause pain.
During this time, the eardrum is not able to vibrate, so you experience decreased hearing and muffled sounds. It has been good that you have been doing Valsalva.
If you are sick with a cold or allergies, the Valsalva maneuver is not recommended, as it could cause a severe ear infection.
Instead, try a lesser known method called the Toynbee maneuver: Close your mouth and nose and swallow several times until pressure equalizes.
Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy and swallowing is strongly recommended. It does necessary equalization of pressure in the Eustachian tube.
Avoid sleeping during ascent or descent. Drink lots of fluids in-flight to stay hydrated. Yawn.
Try EarPlanes, specially designed ear plugs that have a filter to equalize pressure.
Use nasal spray 1 hour prior to landing and only as-needed. Overuse of nasal sprays can cause more congestion.
Take a decongestant 1 hour before landing and also post-flight until ears normalize. If you are very sick with a cold, the flu, allergies or congestion you should avoid air travel.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr AJEET SINGH, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....