Health Tip: Ease In-Flight Ear Pain

(HealthDay News) -- Flying can cause discomfort in the ears, and can be especially painful to children with an ear infection.

The Nemours Foundation suggests these ways to help alleviate a child's ear pain during takeoff or landing, when changes in pressure are most likely to trigger ear pain:

  • Offer plenty of water or other decaffeinated drinks.
  • Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen about 30 minutes before takeoff or landing.
  • If your child is at least 3 years old, offer a piece of gum or hard candy.
  • Offer a baby a bottle or pacifier, or breast-feed.
  • Encourage your child to yawn often.
  • Keep your child awake during takeoff and landing, and encourage swallowing.

    • Date Published: 09/21/2011

    Related Articles

    Search Articles

    Your Nose May Decide How Bad Your Cold Gets, Study Finds

    Holiday Flu Surge Drives Record Illness Across the U.S. — Here's What You Can Do

    Heart Patients Urged To Seek Vaccination For Common Infectious Diseases

    Moderna’s New Flu Shot Shows Strong Results in Older Adults

    They Spent Hours In A Room Full Of Flu Patients And Walked Out Healthy — Here's How

    Scientists' Push For a Universal Vaccine Takes a Key Step Forward