How to Unclog Ears after Flying with a Cold
Pre-flight Preparations to Reduce Ear Congestion
Flying with a cold can be an uncomfortable experience, especially if you have ear congestion. The change in air pressure during takeoff and landing can cause a buildup of pressure in the middle ear, leading to ear pain and difficulty hearing. To reduce the likelihood of ear congestion during a flight, there are some pre-flight preparations you can take:
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water before and during the flight can help keep your mucous membranes hydrated, making it easier for them to expel any excess fluid in the ears.
Decongestant Medications: Over-the-counter decongestant medications can help reduce nasal congestion and the risk of ear congestion during a flight. However, it’s important to consult with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication to ensure it’s safe for you to use.
Chew Gum or Yawn: These simple actions can help relieve pressure in the ears by opening the Eustachian tube and allowing air to flow in and out of the middle ear.
Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol: Smoking or drinking alcohol can irritate the nasal and throat passages, leading to swelling and congestion, which can exacerbate ear congestion during a flight.
Taking these pre-flight preparations can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing ear congestion while flying with a cold. However, if you still experience ear pain or difficulty hearing during the flight, there are techniques you can use to relieve ear congestion in-flight.
Techniques to Relieve Ear Congestion during Flight
If you experience ear congestion during a flight, there are several techniques you can use to relieve the pressure and discomfort in your ears. Here are some techniques that you can try:
Swallowing: Swallowing helps to open the Eustachian tube and equalize the pressure in your ears. You can do this by swallowing your saliva or taking small sips of water.
Yawning: Yawning helps to stretch and open the Eustachian tube, which can relieve the pressure in your ears.
Pinching Your Nose and Blowing: Pinch your nose shut and gently blow through your nose to help equalize the pressure in your ears. However, it’s important to blow gently to avoid damaging your eardrums.
Using Nasal Spray: Nasal decongestant spray can help reduce nasal congestion, which can relieve pressure in your ears. However, it’s important to consult with a doctor or pharmacist before using nasal spray to ensure it’s safe for you to use.
Applying Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can help relieve ear congestion by promoting blood circulation and reducing inflammation.
Using these techniques can help relieve ear congestion during a flight. However, if you experience persistent ear pain or difficulty hearing, it’s important to seek medical help.
Post-flight Remedies to Treat Ear Congestion
If you experience ear congestion after a flight, there are several remedies you can use to relieve the discomfort and promote healing. Here are some post-flight remedies you can try:
Rest: Resting and getting plenty of sleep can help your body recover from the stress of flying and reduce inflammation in your ears.
Applying Heat: Applying heat to the affected ear can help reduce inflammation and promote blood circulation. You can use a warm compress, a hot towel, or a heating pad for this purpose.
Taking Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve ear pain and discomfort. However, it’s important to consult with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication to ensure it’s safe for you to use.
Using Nasal Saline Spray: Nasal saline spray can help reduce nasal congestion and promote drainage of excess fluid in your ears.
Avoiding Irritants: Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and other irritants can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in your ears.
Using these post-flight remedies can help relieve ear congestion and promote healing. However, if you experience persistent ear pain or difficulty hearing, it’s important to seek medical help.
When to Seek Medical Help for Persistent Ear Congestion
While ear congestion after flying with a cold is common and usually resolves on its own, sometimes it can persist or become more severe. Here are some signs that you should seek medical help for persistent ear congestion:
Severe Ear Pain: If you experience severe ear pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers, you should seek medical help.
Hearing Loss: If you experience significant hearing loss or muffled hearing after a flight, you should seek medical help.
Dizziness or Vertigo: If you experience dizziness or vertigo along with ear congestion, you should seek medical help.
Discharge from the Ear: If you notice discharge from your ear, you should seek medical help.
Fever: If you develop a fever along with ear congestion, you should seek medical help.
These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition, such as an ear infection or a ruptured eardrum, which requires medical treatment. It’s important to seek medical help if you experience persistent ear congestion or any of these symptoms after flying with a cold.
Preventing Ear Congestion when Flying with a Cold
Preventing ear congestion is always better than treating it. Here are some tips to prevent ear congestion when flying with a cold:
Delay your Flight: If possible, delay your flight until your cold has improved, and your symptoms have resolved.
Use Nasal Decongestant Spray: Use nasal decongestant spray before and during the flight to reduce nasal congestion and help equalize pressure in your ears.
Chew Gum or Yawn: Chew gum or yawn during takeoff and landing to help open the Eustachian tube and equalize pressure in your ears.
Use Earplugs or Noise-cancelling Headphones: Use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to reduce cabin noise, which can cause additional stress on your ears.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and during the flight to keep your mucous membranes hydrated and help them expel any excess fluid in your ears.
By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of developing ear congestion when flying with a cold. If you do experience ear congestion despite taking these precautions, use the techniques and remedies mentioned earlier to relieve the discomfort and promote healing.
