Airplane ear

Have you experienced ear discomfort while flying, especially while the airplane is ascending or descending? Well, this can be airplane ear which is characterized by discomfort, pain, and fullness in the ear. It is caused by sudden pressure changes during air travel.

Airplane ear can affect anybody on the flight but it is more commonly seen in individuals suffering from conditions such as common cold, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and middle ear infections. Infants and toddlers are more susceptible to this condition while traveling in air routes. 

Airplane ear can be easily prevented by simple techniques such as yawning, chewing, swallowing during the flight. Infants and toddlers can be breastfed, suck a pacifier or drink fluids through a sipper or a straw to ease the symptoms of airplane ear. 

This condition is usually self-limiting, responds well to preventive measures, and resolves after air travel.