Ear congestion caused by flying
The pressure that is created on the eardrum and other tissues of the middle ear, when the pressure in the middle ear and the air pressure in the environment are out of balance.... You may experience tinnitus caused by flight at the beginning of the flight and during the ascent of the plane or at the end of the flight and when the plane lands.. Arutit Media also said that it will happen.
Usually, self-medication methods such as yawning and chewing gum can prevent or eliminate the air pressure difference that helps to improve ear congestion caused by flying.. But in severe cases, it may require treatment by an ear, nose and throat specialist..
Symptoms of ear blockage
Ear congestion caused by flying can occur in one or both ears. The symptoms of ear congestion caused by flying and its complications can include the following:
- Discomfort or slight pain in the ear
- Feeling of fullness or congestion in the ear
- Weak hearing or mild to moderate hearing loss
If the tinnitus caused by flying is severe or lasts for more than a few hours, you may experience the following:
- Severe pain
- Ear pressure is similar to underwater pressure
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Feeling dizzy
- Vomiting caused by vertigo
- Bleeding from the ear
Usually, you can treat ear congestion caused by flying on your own... If discomfort, fullness, or muffled hearing persists for more than a few hours, or if you experience severe symptoms, contact an otolaryngologist.
Ear congestion caused by flight occurs when an imbalance in the air pressure in the middle ear and the outer space creates an obstacle on the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and causes it to vibrate... Air pressure regulation is the work of a narrow tube called the Eustachian tube... One end of it is connected to the middle ear... At the other end, there is a small opening behind the nasal passage and above the pharynx (nasopharynx). When the plane rises or falls, the air pressure in the environment It changes quickly, and usually doesn't open the tube enough..
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Ear barotrauma may also be caused by the following factors:
- diving
- High pressure oxygen chamber
- Explosion at close range
You may also experience mild cases of barotrauma when using an elevator in a tall building or driving down a mountain.
Any condition that blocks the Eustachian tube or limits its function can increase the risk of ear congestion from flying. Risk factors include:
- Small eustachian tube, especially in children and infants
- Cold
- Sinus infection
- Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) Middle ear infection - otitis media
- Sleep during takeoff and landing
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Ear congestion due to frequent and intense flight may damage the tissues of the inner ear, which increases the possibility of recurrence of this disease in the future.
Symptoms of ear congestion
Flight-induced ear congestion is usually not serious and can go away with treatment by the individual.. When the condition is severe or long-lasting, or if there is damage to the inner or middle ear structures, flight-induced ear congestion may occur for a long time... Rare side effects may include:
- Permanent hearing loss
- Chronic tinnitus
Preparing to meet with an otolaryngologist
If you have severe pain or symptoms from in-flight ear congestion that don't improve with self-care techniques, you should probably see your doctor or general practitioner first....though, you might consider an online otolaryngology consultation from GCORP LLC....it's good to make an appointment..
- Write down any symptoms you feel, including any that don't seem related to your ear.
- Write a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements you take.
- Write down the questions you should ask your doctor.
A list of questions will help you get the most out of your time with your doctor.
- Are these signs and symptoms possibly related to my recent air travel?
- What is the best treatment?
- Will I have long-term side effects?
- How can I control these potential complications?
- How can I prevent these symptoms from recurring?
- Should I cancel the flight?
- Are there any brochures or other printed materials I can take with me?.. What websites do you recommend?
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Don't hesitate to ask any other possible questions you may have.
Your doctor may ask a number of questions as follows:
- When did your symptoms start?
- How severe are your symptoms?
- Do you have allergies?
- Have you had a cold, sinus or ear infection recently?
- Have you ever had ear congestion from flying?
- Was the ear congestion caused by your previous flight severe or long-lasting?
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To treat pain, you can use an NSAID, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.) or naproxen sodium (Alio, etc.), or an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.).
Your doctor may be able to diagnose your condition based on questions he asks you and by examining your ears with light instruments (otoscope).Symptoms of flying tinnitus include a slight protrusion of the outer or inner eardrum... (audiometry) to determine how well you can hear sounds and if you can hear them.>
For most people, tinnitus caused by flying usually improves with time. When symptoms become permanent, treatment may be needed to moderate the pressure and relieve symptoms.
Your doctor may prescribe medications or prescribe over-the-counter medications to control conditions that prevent the middle ear from working properly.. These drugs include:
- nasal spray
- Anti-congestion food Oral antihistamine
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Self-treatment methods for blocked ears
In addition to drug treatment, your doctor will instruct you to use a self-care technique called the Valsalva maneuver....To do this, you close your nostrils, open your mouth, and slowly blow air into the back of your nose, as if you were blowing your nose....while the medications improve your middle ear function, performing this maneuver can open up your ears.>
Surgical treatment of ear congestion caused by flying is rarely needed... although the doctor may make an incision in the eardrum (myringotomy) to adjust the air pressure and drain the fluid behind the ear.
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Prevention of ear blockage
To prevent ear congestion, follow these tips:
- Yawn and swallow during ascent and descent....Yawning and swallowing activate the muscles that open your middle ear, and you can use candy or gum to help with swallowing.
- Use the Valsalva maneuver during takeoff and landing....slowly blow air through your nose and keep your nostrils closed and your mouth closed....repeat this several times, especially during landing to adjust the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.
- Don't fall asleep during takeoff and landing....If you are awake during takeoff and landing, you can do self-healing techniques while putting pressure in your ear.
- Reconsider your travel plans... if possible if you have a cold or sinus infection... don't fly if you have a stuffy nose or ear infection... if you've had ear surgery recently, talk to your doctor about when it's safe to travel.
- Use over-the-counter decongestant sprays... If you have a stuffy nose, use a nasal spray about 30 minutes before the flight and before landing.... Avoid overuse, as multiple uses of decongestants can increase congestion.
- Use decongestants with caution. Oral decongestants can be helpful if taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before a flight. However, if you have heart disease, heart rhythm disorders, or high blood pressure, or if you have experienced a drug interaction, avoid taking oral decongestants without a doctor's prescription and approval. Consult your doctor for oral decongestants.
- Use allergy medicine... If you have allergies, take your medicine 1 hour before the flight.
- Use phone filters....These phones gently adjust the air pressure against the eardrum during takeoff and landing....You can purchase these filters at drugstores, aviation supply stores, or local hearing clinics.
If you are prone to acute ear infections from flying, and you must fly often, your doctor may need to surgically insert tubes in the eardrum to help drain fluid and ventilate the middle ear and adjust the pressure between the outer and middle ear.
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These additional tips can help children avoid blocked ears:
- Encourage swallowing: Give your baby or toddler a drink during ascent and descent to encourage repeated swallowing....a pacifier can also help....sit while drinking....children older than 4 can chew gum, drink from a straw, or blow bubbles from a straw.
- Use ear drops.... Ask your pediatrician to prescribe ear drops for your child that contain pain relievers.... If the anesthetic is to be flown, ask him for advice.
- Avoid decongestants....Decongestants are not recommended for children.
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