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Ear pain from plane
travel
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- The middle ear is a small compact
space inside the eardrum, with a "pressure release valve"
(leading to the sinuses) called the eustachian tube.
Whenever the middle ear is subjected to rapid changes in air
pressure due to depressurization or increased pressure (like
what happens to passengers on airplane takeoff or landing),
it seeks to adjust to these changes by expanding and
contracting. Normally, the Eustachian tube is the organ
responsible for maintaining equilibrium.
- In the case of sinus infection, Viral Rhinitis (common cold), or Allergic Rhinitis, the
Eustachian tube becomes inflamed and narrowed, causing a
buildup of pressure inside the middle ear. Inflammation in
the ear due to atmospheric pressure changes is called,
literally,
barotitis.
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- Ear pain on ascent or descent in an
airplane
- Ear popping on ascent or descent in
an airplane
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- Swallowing (either dry or drinking a
liquid) gives the most effective immediate relief.
- Chewing gum seems to help only if it
is begun before the symptoms have started (overall,
swallowing is much more effective)
- Pseudoephedrine 45 minutes before a
plane ride
- Proper treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
(e.g., antihistamines or corticosteroid nasal sprays)
- Avoid sleeping on
descent
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- Perforated (punctured) ear
drum
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Predisposing
Factors (i.e., conditions that close off the Eustachian
tube)
- Viral Rhinitis
(common cold) -- runny nose, Nasal Congestion
- Sinusitis -- pain over the cheeks,
yellow or green sinus drainage
- Allergic Rhinitis
("Hay fever") -- runny nose, watery or white nasal discharge
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