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

Health Tip: Ease In-Flight Ear Pain

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