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

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