Some simple things to try during air travel can help equalize the air pressure in your child’s ears and eliminate, or at least decrease, ear pain. Have your child:
- Drink plenty of decaffeinated fluids (water is best) throughout the flight. Drinking a lot is very important, not only because it encourages swallowing (which makes the eustachian tubes open), but also because airplane air is dry, which thickens nasal mucus, making it more likely for the eustachian tubes to become clogged.
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen about a half hour before takeoffs or landings if you know your child has ear pain when flying.
- Chew gum or suck on hard candy (only if your child is over 3 years old).
- Take a bottle or pacifier or breastfeed. If you bottle-feed, make sure your baby is sitting upright while drinking.
- Yawn frequently (if your child can do this intentionally).
- Stay awake for takeoff and landing. During sleep, we don’t swallow as often, so it’s harder to keep the air pressure in the middle ear equalized.
If your child is taking medications that contain antihistamines or decongestants, talk to your doctor about whether to continue them during the flight.
In some cases, a child may continue to have ear pain for longer periods (up to several hours) if the ears don’t “pop.” You can continue to give your child pain relievers according to the package directions until the pain eases. If it continues for more than several hours, call your doctor for advice.
With a little patience and some simple precautions, though, you can make your next family flight less stressful and more comfortable for both you and your child.
Excerpted from http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/eyes/flying_ears.html#