ears get plugged up

GARYVOL · Veteran Member

ears get plugged up

Date: 3:15 PM, 12/27/05

The best thing to do would be to ask her doctor, but she may want to try one of the over-the-counter cold medicines that unplugs stuffed-up sinus. I used to have the same problem before I had sinus surgery ( I was almost always stuffed-up a little bit). The air in planes is very dry, which can irritate the sinus, causing inflamation. Some of us are more sensitive than others, especially those of us with allergies or other pre-existing problems. Take the sinus medication about two hours before the flight to give it a good amount of time to work before take-off.

Anita.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Gary,

Good advice from Anita. I find that if I gently blow my nose it releases the pressure in the ears.

Michele

Maggie L · Senior Member

I, too, chew gum and that usually works for me. One time, however, my ears plugged up during landing despite the gum and I about went nuts --- it really hurt! The stewardess had me hold my nose and then try to blow through it; it worked like a charm. I've used the same technique several times when my ears were starting to plug up and it always works.

stannseniors · Veteran Member

We fly a lot and i have a protocol for a day or two before the trip. At least a day before i take tylenol allergy and sinus, drink lots of water and the day of flying we make sure to time the medication for about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes before take off. I also like to use Ocean spray for my nose - the sinus medication can dry you out a little ----we also pop in a piece of gum and take off and landing. It sounds like a lot of work now that i list it but i don't have any more painful popping ears. We also did a jetlag diet that really worked---it just makes the trip more pleasant in the long run.

-- Edited by stannseniors at 11:56, 2005-12-30

GARYVOL · Veteran Member

The holding nose / blowing seems a little extreme to me. But I do like your sinus med. idea.

When a cold is coming on I will use the Sinus cold syrup a few hours before bedtime to help clear any runny nose. It sounds like you have success with it for regular air travel. I assume it is no problem carrying the stuff with you during your travels. Perhaps Mary can try that too, plus chewing the gum. Good idea---

Thanks

Gary

Maggie L · Senior Member

Sorry, Gary, I should have been more clear in my directions for the Valsalva maneuver (the name for the procedure). You hold your nose and gently breathe in through your mouth, close your mouth, and then gently blow out, keeping your mouth and nose closed. It's not for everyone perhaps, but I had tried all the other tricks --- yawning, chewing, etc. --- and this worked immediately.

If you Google "preventing plugged ears flying" you can get lots of suggestions. Obviously prevention is the best route, if possible.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Maggie,

I never knew that was called the Valsalva maneuver. You learn something new every day! It always does the trick for me and works right away.

Michele

Maggie L · Senior Member

I'm just a fountain of useless tidbits of information!

Actually, I think it was named for a guy involved in sea diving since divers, too, have problems with the change in air pressure and the eustachian tube becoming blocked.