(HealthDay News) -- The feeling of pain or popping in your ears during a flight is a common reaction to altitude-related changes in cabin air pressure.
The air in the middle ear passes to the Eustachian tube. This connects the nose with the middle ear and allows your body to maintain a proper balance of air pressure on both sides of the ear drum.
The National Sleep Foundation suggests frequent yawning and swallowing during takeoff and landing to help your body adjust to the changes in air pressure. You can also chew gum or suck on hard candy.
If you have a cold or sinus infection, the NSF advises taking a decongestant before flying.
FDA Panel to Again Weigh Merit of Decongestant That Many Call Useless
Repeat Infections With COVID-19 May Become the Norm
Could a COVID Infection Help You Ward Off the Common Cold?
Is Your Kid's Runny Nose Going on Forever? Here's What You Need to Know
Having Kids Around Might Shield You From Severe COVID: Study
Holiday Gatherings Didn't Trigger Spike in Respiratory Illnesses: CDC
Combo of COVID & Flu Even More Lethal for Hospitalized Patients
Flu Shot Could Be a Lifesaver for Folks With Chronic Ills
Could Getting Your Flu Shot Help Prevent Alzheimer's?
Flu, RSV, COVID: Shield Yourself From the 'Tripledemic' This Holiday