Can you suggest anything a person can do to prevent ear pain and stopped up ears during air travel?
Reply: -------------------------------
I usually recommend the use of oxmetazoline nasal spray (Afrin) possibly combined with a decongestant such as Sudafed approximately one hour prior to embarking on the airplane. These medications should be used with caution if you have difficult to control high blood pressure or serious heart problems. Prior to and during descent of the airplane you should frequently clear your ears by gently popping them. This can be facilitated by chewing gum or drinking a beverage. Occasionally, it is also helpful to take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Advil, Alleve, Nuprin, generic ibuprofen, etc prior to the flight.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
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