Excerpted from "A Year of Health Hints"
365 Practical Ways to Feel Better and Live Longer
If you're riding in a plane, your ears might feel full during
takeoff and landing, then suddenly "pop." Ear pops
result from pressure changes in the middle ear as a plane changes
altitude. You may feel pain or only mild discomfort. And if you
have a head cold, ear pops can promote an ear infection.
It's rarely convenient to cancel or postpone your flight
because of ear trouble. It is highly recommended, however, that
you don't fly if you have an acute ear infection, a severe head
cold, or sinusitis. Consult your physician regarding this. If you
still decide to fly, here are some ways to keep your ears from
popping.
Swallow
frequently, yawn, or gently blow through your nose while pinching
the nostrils shut,
to equalize pressure
within your ears. (Don't do this if you have a head cold, as it
will promote
an ear infection.)
If you have a mild
head cold, use a nasal spray to keep the nasal passages open.
Oral
decongestant
medications are also effective.
Infants and young children tend to develop ear pain when
traveling by plane, too. To prevent discomfort and ear infections
in your children:
Have your
infant suck on a pacifier or bottle during the takeoff and
landing. (Nursing a baby
helps, too.)
Ask your doctor
about giving children a mild decongestant and antihistamine 1
hour before
takeoff and 1 hour
before landing.