Ear Problems

[Ltmoko]

My wife has terrible trouble with her ears when we fly, to the point it brings tears to her eyes. Its really bad on takeoff and landing. Once we level off, she is fine. She has tried the Earplanes, chewing gum, sipping water and ear wax removal drops before we go. Nothing seems to work. Does anyone have any other suggestions? We are bringing our 2 yr old and we dont need my wife in tons of pain. Thanks...

[scootch713]

I had terrible problems with this last flight(ended up with vertigo after I got home, steriods, ect..) Never had any trouble before. Ended up at a ENT dr and he suggested this. Although he does not think people should take Afrin normally... he said to take it 20 min before take off.... and to take a decongestant(like sudefed) at the same time. So that is what I am going to try this next time.

[faline]

I'd suggest your wife check with her doctor about what might work best for her.

Astihistamines taken prior to the flight are often helpful.

[DVC2004]

I was told to take Sudafed a little while prior to take off. She should ask her doctor though.
I learned about the Sudafed only after I flew and had my ears filled up with fluid for over six weeks-very painful and difficult to hear. Normally I am fine when I fly, but this particular time I wasn't.

[dra_rosie_k]

My mother often has the same problem. She has used Afrin before takeoff and landing and finds it is very helpful.

[Ltmoko]

We have a call into her doctor....she just called back as we speak....she said start to take Sudafed and Afrin three days before we leave and make sure the last dose is right before we get on the plane, so there ya go my doctor agrees with Intercot!!! Thanks all.

[ March 29, 2005, 01:42 PM: Message edited by: Ltmoko ]

[Granny Jill A]

I also suffer from ear problems. Strangely enough, I don't have as much discomfort when I sit toward the front of the plane. Don't know why that would be, because the air pressure should be the same all over the plane. Maybe it's all in my head [img]graemlins/silly.gif[/img]

I use EarPlanes and gum, drink plenty of water, and keep my head upright. The pain in the ears is worse if I put my head to the side and try to sleep.

Good luck!