Flies and ears of your child
Flying effects on the ears
Many of us have this strange ear falling sensation felt when we fly. For children (especially infants and young children), it may seem particularly odd and even scary at first. But there is a common, normal part of flying.
This can sometimes be unpleasant feeling related to pressure changes in the air space behind the eardrum (middle ear). Normally, the Eustachian tube, a passage that leads from the middle ear to the back of the throat behind the nose, the air pressure in the middle ear is similar to the atmospheric pressure by opening and permit air to reach the middle ear. If our ears "pop" while yawning or swallowing, the tube adjusting the air pressure in the middle ear.
In children, however, the relatively narrow tubes may not work as effectively, especially when they clogged or blocked by enlarged or swollen glands (lumps immune system tissue in the vicinity of the openings by inflammation and mucus from an ear infection or cold is of the tubes ).
Whether you are flying, diving, climbing, horse riding or even in an elevator, air pressure decreases as you go higher and increases as you go down. If the pressure is not compensated for, the higher air pressure on one side of the membrane and caused pain suppressed. This explains why so many babies cry raised in these last minutes of the flight if the air pressure in the cabin as the plane prepares to land.
But the pain is only temporary - it will not cause any permanent problems for children and usually subside within a few minutes, as the tubes, so that the air pressure to open balance on both sides of the eardrum.
If your child has an ear infection can delay recommend your doctor to fly, if possible, until the infection is gone to avoid increased pain and possible rupture, or tear the eardrum. In children who have had tubes inserted in the eardrums because of ear fluid problems, the artificial tubes help equalize the air pressure to pass more easily.
Tips for easing earache
Some simple things you can try during air travel to help balance the air pressure in the ears of your child and to eliminate or at least reduce, earache. Let your child:
Drink plenty of decaffeinated fluids (water is best) throughout the flight. Drink plenty is very important not only because it encourages swallowing (which makes the tubes open), but also because airplane air is dry, the mucous membrane thickens, making it more likely for the tubes are clogged.
Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen half an hour before or landing if you know your child has ear pain when flying.
Chew gum or sucking hard candy (only if your child is over 3 years old).
Take a bottle or pacifier or breastfeeding. If you bottle feed, make sure your baby is sitting upright while drinking.
Yawn frequently (if your child can do this on purpose).
Stay awake for take off and landing. During sleep, we do not swallow so often, so it is difficult to keep balanced the air pressure in the middle ear.
If your child is taking medications contain the antihistamines or decongestants, talk to your doctor if they continue during the flight.
In some cases, a child may continue to have ear pain for longer periods (up to several hours) when the ears "pop." You can still give your child pain medication according to the directions on the package until the pain eases. If it lasts for more than a few hours, call your doctor for advice.
With a little patience and a few simple precautions, though, you can make your next family vacation flight less stressful and more comfortable for you and your child.