Typically, the pressure in the tympanic cavity and in the external environment is the same. But at the moment of takeoff of the aircraft, atmospheric pressure decreases and there is a pressure difference between the pressure in the cavities of our body and the external pressure. Air in the middle ear (by the way, not only there, but also in sinuses nose, intestines, etc.) expands and presses on the eardrum, which leads to a feeling of congestion in the ears. To get rid of this feeling, you need to equalize the pressure.

How to eliminate ear congestion

• Swallow several times.
• Open your mouth wide several times. Yawning (about yawning >>>)
• To blow out the Eustachian tube - pinch the nose with two fingers and gently exhale the air several times through a closed nose (while the mouth is also closed).

To prevent your ear from getting stuck on the plane

• Sucking on hard candy (preferably sour) will help prevent ear congestion. You can chew gum or sip the juice through a straw.

• You cannot sleep during takeoff and landing in order to be able to control your condition and in time to equalize the pressure in the middle ear and atmosphere by blowing through a closed nose.
• Drink enough water before and during the flight to keep the mucous membranes sufficiently hydrated.
• Drink only clean water. Eliminate coffee and alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration.

By the way, the pressure difference arises not only during takeoff, but also during the landing of the aircraft. When this happens, the pressure in the middle ear becomes lower than atmospheric pressure and the eardrum is pressed inward, which can cause painful sensations, sometimes strong enough.

Airplane earplugs

If severe congestion occurs on every flight, buy special earplugs for flights >>>... There are adult and children's earplugs.

Colds and allergies - "contraindications" to flights

Most healthy people the pressure evens out quickly and the discomfort disappears. The key word is healthy. Because with a cold or allergy, flying can lead to unpleasant complications.

The thing is that with inflammation, the lumen of the Eustachian tube (the channel that connects the middle ear with the pharynx) narrows or even closes off due to edema, the air ceases to circulate normally through the tube and it becomes much more difficult to equalize the pressure.

If it is impossible to avoid the flight, use vasoconstrictor drops 30-60 minutes before take-off and before landing, in case of allergies, take an antihistamine 60 minutes before the flight.

Children and flight

Small children can hardly bear the flight. They may have not only severe congestion, but also pain in the ears. The recommendations are the same - something to suck, chew and swallow. Babies can suck on the pacifier. Stock up on pain relievers just in case ear drops... And never fly with sick children!

Many people experience unpleasant sensations at the time of takeoff and landing of the aircraft - most of the passengers get stuffy ears. Why is this happening, and is it possible to cope with this problem on your own? Is it dangerous? Considering the structure of the ear and the processes that occur during takeoff, you can understand in detail the specifics of what is happening and answer all questions. In practice, it will not be difficult at all, there are no special mysteries here.

The main reason for this is pressure drops. And why do they affect the passenger on board in this way - this question will be answered precisely by its detailed consideration.

The organ of hearing has a complex structure; it consists of an outer, middle and inner part. The outer part is the auricle, while inside the ear is a system of chambers and auditory canals, where the eardrum and other miniature organs that are responsible for the perception of sound signals are located.

The system is very sensitive not only to sound but also to pressure. When pressure readings change, various anomalies of auditory perception may occur, as well as discomfort. They are observed when diving to a depth of even several meters - the pressure under water increases, which causes unpleasant sensations up to pain in the ears.

Environmental changes during flight

Congestion in the ears during takeoff occurs due to the onset of pressure differences inside human body and in the environment in which he has to be present. Normally, these indicators coincide, therefore, no unpleasant sensations arise in everyday life, exceptions are rarely observed. It is with pressure drops that this and when there is a difference between internal and external indicators, this symptom is most often recorded.

During takeoff, the plane accelerates and quickly gains altitude, falling into a space where the pressure is significantly lower. After all, the higher you manage to rise from the surface of the planet, the less pressure is. It is not dangerous for the human body, which can adapt to new circumstances, but it does not happen instantly.

Interesting fact: ears can be blocked with any rapid upward or downward movement. This is even noted on high-speed elevators.

Why does the airplane pressure change during takeoff and landing?

It is a mistake to think that the plane is completely sealed. The fuselages have openings that allow air exchange with the environment, which ensures the regulation of the pressure inside the body. If this were not the case, the hull could have been damaged due to strong drops during takeoff and landing. A special automated system controls air exchange, adjusting the indicators in a balance that allows people to feel comfortable and eliminates the risk of damage to the case. It is thanks to her work that the pressure indicators change - without this it was impossible to achieve flight safety.

The pressure inside the aircraft begins to change already during its acceleration on the ground, and then, during takeoff, it is also subject to fluctuations. However, everything happens within the specified safe parameters. The system is equipped with emergency air release mechanisms when the pressure is exceeded, and it can also be adjusted manually, which eliminates risks. And therefore, the maximum that an unpleasant thing can happen due to pressure drops is to block the ears for a while.

How to get rid of congestion in the ears?

Thus, congestion in the ears on takeoff is a natural occurrence and should not be worried about. It can only pose certain risks for people who went on a flight with a severe cold. In this case, the risk of otitis media increases. In all other cases, it does not deserve to be worried. Moreover, getting rid of the sensation will not be at all difficult, for this there are proven, easy-to-follow techniques.

There is a natural mechanism to equalize pressure - there is an opening in the auditory tube that opens when you swallow, yawn. Accordingly, you just need to yawn or swallow. You can also take a lollipop with you right away to suck on it at the time of take-off, and not at all have to deal with stuffing your ears.

A small child can be given a bottle - this will also relieve discomfort and whims. Many people remember lollipops, caramel called "Takeoff" with a picture of an airplane on a wrapper. These sweets were created specifically to reduce the discomfort of passengers during takeoff and landing. These or similar lollipops are often distributed by flight attendants before aircraft take off and land. After all, landing is also associated with pressure drops to which you need to adapt.

What if the usual methods don't help?

Some people have a hard time congestion in their ears, and they cannot get rid of it for a long time. If conventional methods do not work, you can blow out your ear by plugging your nose and trying to exhale through it. This is a safe way to create excess pressure in the larynx, to push out the plug, if any.

In addition, people who are prone to congestion and experience excessive discomfort from this phenomenon can be advised not to sleep during takeoff and landing. And you can also get earplugs made for flights in advance, these products can eliminate the problem completely, eliminating pressure drops in the inner ear.

People who have decided not to give up the flight during a cold should be advised to take drops on the road that provide the effect of vasoconstriction. After all, inflammatory processes impede the free circulation of air in the cavities, this is due to edema and other related phenomena.

Vascular constricting drugs reduce swelling while minimizing unpleasant effects. In case of allergic manifestations, it is worth flying with anti-allergenic drugs. But in general, doctors strongly recommend that you postpone travel if you are not healthy.

Thus, ear congestion during takeoff or landing is a normal phenomenon caused by the peculiarities of a person's physiology, the structure of his hearing aid and the effect of pressure drops. Normally, the congestion goes away quickly, but if it persists for a long time, or if pain occurs, you should see a doctor.

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And a healthy and slightly cold person has it that his ears get blocked on the plane. The severity of discomfort will vary. Therefore, you need to understand the reasons for this phenomenon and how to alleviate the inconvenience.

Differences in atmospheric pressure with a sharp change in flight altitude lead to ear congestion.

The problem will be exacerbated by:

• otitis media;
• colds;
• allergic rhinitis;
• sinusitis;
• hearing loss.

These conditions are associated with swelling or accumulation of mucus in the sinuses or inner ear. Such diseases disrupt the normal air circulation inside the skull. This leads to more prolonged congestion and increased discomfort from it.

Also, during the flight, some have ear pain due to water that has got inside, the formed sulfuric plug.

Pressure drop

Most often, jumps in atmospheric pressure during flight lead to congestion.

Unpleasant sensations arise from the fact that environmental conditions change too quickly and the body does not have time to adapt to them. The air begins to press harder on the eardrum, and the vacuum formed due to the pressure difference leads to its slight pulling inward.

Sulfur plug

Normally, such unpleasant feelings go away on their own. But the discomfort will last longer due to aggravating factors. One of them is the accumulation of sulfur in the ear canal.

Under normal circumstances, this can cause hearing impairment or cutting sensations. And during the flight the plug does not allow air to circulate freely and obstructs the ears, which can be accompanied by pain.

If you have a tendency to accumulate sulfur before flying, you must clean the ear canal with cotton swabs or a special solution. This minimizes the possibility of stowing in flight.

Water

Even a small amount of water left in the ear after a shower or swimming pool can lead to discomfort during the flight. Due to the accumulated liquid, the sulfur inside swells, which, in combination with the pressure drop, significantly increases the load on the eardrum.

It is better to refrain from visiting the pool before the flight. And after a shower, be sure to remove the remaining moisture from your ears with cotton swabs.

Actions

To prevent your ears from getting blocked on the plane, you can open your mouth for a few minutes. In this case, it is necessary to make swallowing movements. The method relieves well the discomfort caused by pressure drops. But it may not be effective for a runny nose, allergies, or inflammation.

You can also eliminate congestion in the following ways:

1. To get rid of the difference in pressure, you can swallow with a closed mouth and pinched nostrils.
2. Yawning helps to remove the vacuum created and reduce the strain on the eardrum. In this case, the mouth must be opened as wide as possible.
3. During takeoff and landing, you can drink water, tea or juice in small sips.
4. If there is no runny nose or other manifestations of a cold, take a deep breath. Then close your mouth and lightly squeeze your nose with your fingers, exhale slowly through it.
5. It will ease the discomfort of pressing on the tragus.

You can suck on lozenges or chew gum throughout the voyage. Better if they have a sour taste. This will provoke an abundant production of saliva, and regular swallowing movements relieve congestion well.

Ear pain after flight

If painful sensations remain after landing, massage the ears. You can jump on one leg by tilting your head and plugging your ear with your little finger, as you do after swimming. This method helps to remove the vacuum plug.

When the discomfort persists for a day or longer, it is better to see a doctor. There is a risk of inflammation inner ear, and self-medication will only aggravate the condition.

Medicines

In cases when a person has a cold, and it is impossible to postpone the flight, you need to rinse your nose before the flight. For this, both saline and preparations with sea ​​salt... After that, you need to drip the ears with vasoconstrictor agents - for example, Tizin, Nazivin.

Anyone who has traveled by air has wondered why their ears are buried in an airplane. The answer is simple: the difference between the pressure in the human body and in the atmosphere causes such a reaction. It is considered normal when the pressure in the tympanic cavity of the ear and in the atmosphere is the same. When an airplane rapidly climbs or descends during landing, there is a sharp change in pressure, while in the ear it remains the same. As a result, a pressure difference arises: one of the sides presses on the membrane, as a result of which a plug forms in the ear and lays it.

What to do if your ears hurt on a plane

To prevent congestion and pain from spoiling your journey from the very beginning, you can try to reduce the discomfort. There are several ways to do this. Apply them and the flight will be easier.

1. Try to induce yawning by relaxing your lower jaw muscles and taking a deep breath.
2. Swallow or chew. Take a pack with you on the plane chewing gum, caramel candy or water bottle. In almost all airlines, you can ask the flight attendant for candy during the flight. If a child is flying with you, give him a bottle of water or juice to drink during takeoff and landing.
3. If the previous options could not help you cope and the ear still clogs, try "blowing" it. To do this, you need to pinch your nose with your fingers, close your mouth and try to exhale air through your nose. During such actions, a high blood pressure, the air has to escape somewhere, so it breaks through the plug.
4. When the ears are blocked, close them tightly with your palms and press your hands lightly against your head.
5. You can use special earplugs on the plane. They reduce the rate of change in atmospheric pressure on the eardrum, which is very important during takeoff and landing. You can buy such a device at a pharmacy.

Do not fall asleep, at least while the plane is gaining altitude. If the path is not short, and you want to sleep, then ask the stewardess to wake you up before descent, when, as during takeoff, there will be a sharp change in pressure.

Flying during a cold

In the case of an illness (a runny nose, an inflammatory process in the ear or a sore throat), everything is much more complicated. The Eustachian (auditory) tube suffers, which is responsible just for creating a balance between pressure in the atmosphere and in the tympanic cavity. In this situation, the pipe lumen is narrower than usual. Swelling or mucus can narrow the channel or block it completely, preventing air from entering the tube. The point of view of doctors: it is not recommended to fly in an airplane when your nose is stuffy and you have a cold.

If you catch a cold on the eve of the flight, and you cannot postpone or transfer it, then be prepared for unpleasant sensations to arise and your ears will become stronger than usual. There may even be pain. The reason is that the swelling of the auditory tube increases with a change in altitude, so the ears hurt when the plane lands and during takeoff, they are lodged, noise, inflammation in the eardrum, and dizziness appear. In special cases, hearing impairment will occur for a while.

When your ears are blocked on an airplane, medication should be used to combat this: vasoconstrictor drops or nasal spray, for example, nasivin, galazolin, xymelin. If, before the flight, a person with a cold does not drip them, then he will not only suffer from pain in the ears throughout the entire journey, but also risk getting otitis media. Be sure to take one of these tools on the road, and the flight will be much easier.

The main reason for stuffing your ears in an airplane is a change in the pressure of the surrounding atmosphere during a rapid climb or drop. This has an effect on the entire body, but the hearing organs filled with air are the first to react.

Air pressure in the ear cannot change as quickly as atmospheric pressure. This difference leads to deformations eardrum... As you climb, the external pressure decreases, and the eardrum flexes outward - towards the lower pressure.

On landing, atmospheric pressure becomes higher, and the eardrum, on the contrary, is pulled into the ear. This state lasts for some time, after which the pressure difference is leveled. The deformation of the tympanic membrane disappears, and with it the congestion of the auditory canal, pain.

Why does it stick its ears on the plane

The main reason why ears are buried is the drop in atmospheric pressure. This usually happens during takeoff and landing, when the plane begins to rapidly change altitude. In a normal state, the pressure in the tympanic cavity of the ear is the same as atmospheric, but in an airplane it becomes different, and the air presses strongly on the membrane. As a result, under the influence of a vacuum in the middle ear, the membrane is pulled inward, which causes congestion and pain.

The degree of congestion depends on the individual characteristics of the person and the presence of respiratory diseases. Normally, the cranial cavities in a healthy person are interconnected, and air circulates freely between them, therefore, within a short time, the congestion of the ears disappears. Some people have a naturally too narrow lumen in the Eustachian tube, which will cause pressure in the ears to return to normal extremely slowly.

Those who suffer from a runny nose and a cold at the time of the flight are also unlucky - there is a high probability that the air passage will be blocked due to accumulated mucus.

It is also worth taking seriously this problem for people with the following diseases:

1. Otitis media, eustachitis - inflammation in the ear is one of the most common causes of pain during takeoff and landing. In case of an acute course of the disease, be sure to consult with your doctor before the flight. And even after recovery, adhesions often remain in the eardrum, which impede its mobility and contribute to long-term congestion.
2. Sinusitis. Due to illness, a person begins to involuntarily squelch and retract his nose, which causes even more tension in the eardrum and enhances the effect of the pressure drop by 2-3 times. Therefore, try to thoroughly clean your sinuses before the trip, it will be useful to do a nasal lavage.
3. Hearing loss is a hearing disorder that affects the ear nerve. A particular danger during flight is conductive hearing loss, in which the conduction of sound waves from the eardrum to the inner ear is impaired. With this disease, there is a risk of hearing loss completely. It is recommended to make an audiogram with a sleep doctor who will tell you the real picture of the disease.
4. Allergic reactions... Often, allergies are expressed in the form of severe lacrimation and a runny nose, which makes the ears even thicker. This happens especially often when flying back - new places and climate change are the cause of allergies. Therefore, it is better to stock up on antihistamines in advance and consult a doctor.

Water accumulation in the ears

Sometimes sore ears can even be associated with showering, bathing or swimming in open water before the flight. Water droplets that enter the ears cause the earwax to swell, which puts more pressure on the eardrum. What to do in such a situation?

Take a cotton swab and gently clean your ears to absorb any moisture and excess wax. Then take a few deep throats, open your mouth wide and yawn. This will get rid of the remaining accumulated water and move them to the nasopharynx.

In addition, it is important to avoid deep diving the day before departure.

Sulfur plug

It's no secret that the abundance of earwax leads to the so-called plug. Because of this, a person's hearing acuity decreases, it seems that he perceives all the words as if under water. And if you add to this a sharp drop in pressure during flight, then the discomfort can be very strong.

To prevent your ears from getting blocked, it is important to periodically hygiene and clean the ear canal. Use cotton buds, and if the plug has already formed, then it is better to consult a doctor. There are also special earwash fluids that you can buy at any drugstore and clean your ear canal before you fly.

Pawns ears on airplanes and in young children, as their bodies are highly sensitive to changes in the environment. Therefore, it is better to think in advance about how to make the trip safe for the baby.

What to do about it

When the ears are very sore when the plane lands, it is enough to perform a few simple actions: the task is to "clean" the ear canal.

Advice! Sometimes it is enough to simply simulate swallowing movements or yawning.

If that doesn't work, it's worth doing one of the exercises recommended by your doctors.

• Valsalva's maneuver. The method should be used with care so as not to damage yourself. All you have to do for this is to firmly pinch your nostrils and close your lips. After that, blow gently, taking care not to let air escape through your mouth. Care must be taken: this way you can not only relieve congestion, but also accidentally damage the eardrum.
• The second way to get rid of the symptom after the ear is blocked immediately after the plane is toynbee exercise. He will also have to close his nose and hold his breath for a few seconds. Remaining in this position, simulate several swallowing movements. You can really drink a few sips of water if you don't feel nauseous in transport.

Sometimes the easiest way helps - open your mouth and freeze for a few minutes.

Why does a person get stuffy ears while flying in an airplane

The human body is a biosystem closed from the external environment, capable of maintaining the constancy of its internal state through coordinated reactions (self-regulation).

Since there is external pressure of the environment (Рср) and internal pressure in the body (Рвн), the main condition for the preservation of life is that the external pressure of the environment does not exceed the pressure in the body.

The human ear is a complex and highly sensitive organ that is necessary for the perception of sound vibrations. For normal operation of the tympanic membrane, the membrane impervious to air and liquid, it is necessary that the average air pressure on both sides coincides.

The body independently equalizes the air pressure inside and outside the tympanic membrane through the auditory (Eustachian) tube, which connects the nasopharynx with the tympanic cavity. With each swallowing movement, air enters the tympanic cavity from the nasopharynx, equalizing the internal pressure in the body at a level with atmospheric.

In healthy people, this mechanism works better, in others with a delay. With sharp changes in external pressure, which is what happens in an airplane during climb and landing, the ears of passengers “lay their ears” for the reason that the body does not have time to adapt so quickly.

To avoid rupture of the eardrums from the shockwave of the explosion, soldiers are advised to open their mouths beforehand when an explosion is expected.

Environmental changes during flight

Congestion in the ears during takeoff occurs due to the upcoming pressure difference between the human body and the environment in which it has to be present. Normally, these indicators coincide, therefore, no unpleasant sensations arise in everyday life, exceptions are rarely observed. It is with pressure drops that this and when there is a difference between internal and external indicators, this symptom is most often recorded.

During takeoff, the plane accelerates and quickly gains altitude, falling into a space where the pressure is significantly lower. After all, the higher you manage to rise from the surface of the planet, the less pressure is. It is not dangerous for the human body, which can adapt to new circumstances, but it does not happen instantly.

Interesting fact: ears can be blocked with any rapid upward or downward movement. This is even noted on high-speed elevators.

Emergency assistance on board

Most often, standard measures are sufficient to eliminate congestion. If the discomfort does not go away and greatly disturbs the person, it is necessary to deal with this with additional means. For example, with a cold, it is allowed to prepare a solution of 2 tsp. salt and 250 ml of water for further rinsing. Required ingredients can be requested from the flight attendant. Washing will help clear mucus and prevent complications from developing.

Valsalva method

The Valsalva method is powerful but relatively dangerous. In the process, a person can damage the eardrums. To equalize the pressure in the auditory tubes, take a deep breath, cover your mouth and nose with your hands and exhale slowly. In the absence of a result, it is forbidden to increase the voltage. Other methods are recommended.

Toynbee

The Toynbee method is most often used by divers in deep diving. To align the indicators, you need to pinch the nostrils with your fingers and begin to swallow quickly. The use of water is allowed. It is advisable to drink from the straw in small sips.

Vasodilator drops

Vasodilator drops can be used for severe vasospasm, however, such drugs cannot be used without a doctor's prescription. In most cases, the development of congestion leads to an increase in the lumen of the veins and arteries with the concomitant occurrence of edema. To prevent the onset of the symptom, vasoconstrictor nasal drops are used half an hour before the flight.

Using earplugs

Earplugs help neutralize ambient air pressure on your eardrums. Earphones can be replaced with vacuum headphones, but in most cases they seal the ear canals less tightly. At airports, special earplugs are sold that better protect the eardrums. It is recommended to use them.

Before use, the earplugs must be slowly wrinkled by rolling them with your fingers. This should not be done quickly, as folds will appear in the process, which, when expanded, will create air channels. This can lead to pinpoint pressure and congestion. The earplugs fit into your ears quickly and effortlessly. The time for spreading the material should be sufficient to insert the product. Earplugs should be briefly held with fingers until full volume is restored.

The part of the product that remains outside should not exceed 1/3. To see if the earplugs are inserted correctly, just look in the mirror. The material should not be visible in the reflection. It is forbidden to use products that have lost their properties. During their immersion in the ear canal, air pockets can form.

Swallowing and chewing movements

To quickly relieve congestion, use chewing gum, hard candy, or drink some water. You can repeat the movements or open your mouth wide. Yawning helps to equalize the pressure. If you can't get rid of the congestion, it is best to keep your mouth open. This will help avoid the development of complications.

Steaming when the ear is blocked

The good old way our parents taught us.

Boil a scoop of water and transfer to a large bowl. Lean over the bowl and cover your head with a towel so that your head and bowl are completely covered. Breathe in the steam to help clear your nose and ear. If you want, you can also add a couple of drops of tea tree or lavender (or chamomile) oil to the water to reduce pain and inflammation. Inhale until you feel your ear canals begin to open.

Alternatively, you can also shower for 10 minutes.

Interesting to know:

If you have a blocked ear while flying and need quick pain relief, ask the flight attendant for a tea bag and two cups, one empty and one filled with hot water. Stir the tea bag into a cup of hot water, then pour the tea into an empty cup, leaving the tea bag and some water in the first cup. Bring the first cup to your ear; the tea bag will trap the heat from the water, and the steam from the tea bag will help relieve ear pain.

What to do if your ears get blocked on a plane

Ear congestion can be caused by:

1. change in atmospheric pressure;

When pressure drops, the eardrum is affected, which is abruptly "blown" inward and begins to press on the so-called Eustachian tube - the part of the ear that is responsible for the pressure inside the ear.

As a result - congestion, and in more serious cases - unpleasant tingling and "aching" pain.

In the case of various diseases of the hearing organs, for example, with Eustachitis - complications after viral disease, runny nose or colds, congestion and discomfort in the ears are also observed. If a person noticed that with a cold he has similar problems during an air flight, then the only correct solution would be to contact an otolaryngologist for advice.

Particular attention to your health should be given to people with polyps in the nose, sinusitis, in the presence of deformation of the septum of the sinuses, as well as in the presence of adenoids.

Severe congestion of the ears will become a sad "bell" for those passengers who do not tolerate organ disease or a cold at the time of the flight. This can be a consequence of hearing loss and damage to the nerve endings in the ear. This disease has other features: a person can get his ears blocked at a noisy concert or in a nightclub where loud music is playing, or simply when in crowded places.

The reason for this feature of the hearing organs can be heart problems, skull injuries and a stroke.

To minimize negative feelings and temporary ear congestion, you can use the following methods:

1. imitate yawning, open your mouth wide. Repeat 5-10 times, until the ears are "set aside";
2. hold your breath for a few seconds;
3. actively swallow saliva;
4. suck the lollipop;
5. drink water in small sips, or through a straw.

People who have special features during flights use a popular life hack: they plug their ears with special earplugs, which can be purchased at any pharmacy before the trip.

The main thing is not to overdo it: if the problem simple methods is not solved, then you need to wait for the arrival home and, if there is no improvement, contact the ENT.

How to get rid of congestion in the ears

Stewardess with lollipops

Thus, congestion in the ears on takeoff is a natural occurrence and should not be worried about. It can only pose certain risks for people who went on a flight with a severe cold. In this case, the risk of otitis media increases. In all other cases, it does not deserve to be worried. Moreover, getting rid of the sensation will not be at all difficult, for this there are proven, easy-to-follow techniques.

There is a natural mechanism to equalize pressure - there is an opening in the auditory tube that opens when you swallow, yawn. Accordingly, you just need to yawn or swallow. You can also take a lollipop with you right away to suck on it at the time of take-off, and not at all have to deal with stuffing your ears. A small child can be given a bottle - this will also relieve discomfort and whims. Many people remember lollipops, caramel called "Takeoff" with a picture of an airplane on a wrapper. These sweets were created specifically to reduce the discomfort of passengers during takeoff and landing. These or similar lollipops are often distributed by flight attendants before aircraft take off and land. After all, landing is also associated with pressure drops to which you need to adapt.

Activities on board

Absorbing the lollipop during takeoff will relieve the congestion.

What to do if such a nuisance did happen. It all depends on whether a person has the prerequisites for the development of such symptoms. If there are no chronic diseases and allergic reactions is not observed, then a few tricks will help. The most the best remedy there will be a yawn. If you yawn several times in a row, then the feeling of congestion in most cases goes away.

Helps equalize pressure with atmospheric pressure and swallowing. You can drink water, eat something, or just pretend to swallow. Also on the plane, passengers are always offered candy. This simple measure should not be neglected. Sucking on the lollipop on takeoff can help relieve the feeling of congestion. This method is also suitable for young children. By virtue of anatomical features the structure of the organ of hearing, they are especially difficult to tolerate flight. But if you give your baby water or milk from a bottle, it will help him feel much better.

Barotrauma

Eardrum with barotrauma

There are situations when atmospheric pressure changes very quickly. This happens, for example, when flying high-speed aircraft or military fighters. For people whose profession is associated with high altitudes and speeds (test pilots, military pilots) and great depths - divers, drivers - it is not easy to put their ears in, for them there is a danger of getting barotrauma.

Ear barotrauma is damage to the soft tissues and the eardrum of the hearing organ as a result of a significant difference in air pressure in the tympanic cavity and outside. Exudate enters the ear - fluid from injured soft tissues and blood vessels, the situation leads to inflammation. Aerootitis is often a consequence of barotrauma, there is a possibility of complications from a purulent infection.

At an altitude of more than 10 thousand meters, the air is artificially thinned in the aircraft cabin in order to balance the internal pressure with the atmospheric pressure overboard. This is done to avoid damage to the aircraft body due to over high pressure air inside the cabin. Healthy people, as a rule, do not notice this.

Ear-popping mechanism

The maxillary sinuses are chambers that are filled with air. They interact with the nasal cavity through a narrow opening - the anastomosis. In an airplane, ears are pawing precisely during takeoff and landing, since the pressure in the sinuses of the nose begins to differ from atmospheric pressure. If the anastomosis is healthy, then the air can circulate normally. As a result of this process, the pressure in the sinuses will equalize.

Then, the ear streak has probably accumulated, which swells even more in the water. To prevent water from getting into the ear, we can insert reusable plastic caps into it. However, we must leave the foam finger plugs. They dampen noise, for example, at concerts, but suck water. Silicone plugs are more useful.

Ear plugs can be preventative. We can dry our ears after bathing with a fluffy towel to prevent water from collecting. We tilt our heads to the side and shake out excess water. Against water in the ear and against infection, a solution of cleaning alcohol and white vinegar helps in a ratio of 1. Using a pipette, we drop the solution into the affected ear and allow the liquid to drain.

In case of problems with the anastomosis, alignment cannot occur, and therefore the pressure in the sinuses does not reach the norm. Hence the corresponding complaints - ear congestion. The anastomosis can be blocked due to diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses.

If your ears are blocked, you need to pay attention to your nose.
Even a common runny nose can lead to unpleasant consequences. The mechanism of ear congestion is similar to nasal congestion and therefore does not need detailed consideration.

Patients should be aware that ear congestion worsens after the flight at the time of landing. There are a large number of techniques that guarantee getting rid of this problem.

The acid destroys the ear strip and thus removes obstructions that trap water. The alcohol dries out the water and helps it evaporate faster. We can also create a vacuum by pressing our hand on the corresponding ear. We press and release the pressure alternately until the water evaporates. The ear should be pointing down. Suction creates a vacuum.

We will gently wrap the ear with a dry cloth. However, we shouldn't push the tissue into the ear like a cotton swab, because we can even push the water up to the ear. We can also bend our head to the side to drain the water by pulling on the earlobe to open the ear, or place our ear on the bed so that the earth's gravity naturally drains the water.

IT'S IMPORTANT TO KNOW!

Each person can choose a technique based on their preferences. After all, one method can affect the body of two people in different ways.

Chewing helps dissolve the water when it is closed in the Eustachian tubes. The gaping also moves the muscles in the face and can drain water in this way. This often helps clear the nose. The resulting pressure is already enough to push the water out of the hearing.

How to get rid of ear congestion while flying?

One affects the area between the eardrum and the inner ear, the eardrum, the tympanic cavity, the three, and the Eustachian tube. If the Eustachian tube is damaged, a vacuum is created, which leads to a vacuum, and the mucous membrane reacts with secretion. The result is fluid in the ear.

The reasons are different

Many people associate these symptoms with fear, and that makes sense. After all, no one has canceled our phobias, which, as a result, may have a similar situation. This point of view is supported by those who themselves are not very fond of flights. But, if you believe the experts and scientists, then there can be only one explanation and the only correct one.

More and more often, a similar condition is observed at the time of take-off, but there are also people who feel this unpleasant sensation during the entire flight period. This fact is explained by the difference in pressure: the human body is adapted to the external environment, which changes with every meter of height. Thus, transformation and adaptation occurs, for some it may last even after landing, but for most travelers and tourists this state is much less common.

Everyone knows that the organism can even out this very difference on its own, but this process can last for a very long time. There is a rule that the greater the difference and the weaker the human body, the longer the blood circulation will take.

Why ears stick on a plane and there is no reason for what to do

The main and main reason for the unpleasant process is the reaction of the human body to changes in atmospheric pressure at some stages of the flight.

For example, during takeoff and landing, most people experience the same sensations as congestion in their ears.

The reasons for the irritating factors are simple: a sharp change in pressure in the cabin of an airliner comes into conflict with a person's intracranial pressure. As a result, the passenger's ears become blocked and often hurt quite a lot.

There is no point in worrying about this, because the ear is able to adapt to this kind of overload over time. The process can take quite a long period if the human body is weakened.

Methods for dealing with ear congestion during flight

Each person has a different problem. Sometimes the ears begin to disturb so much that you have to take certain measures to eliminate the pain. The following guidelines will help you with this.

Stabilization of the general psychological state

Some people are very afraid of moving in this way, so they fall into a state of nervous excitement or outright panic.

As a result, the passage of air in the head becomes difficult due to increased intracranial pressure.

Peppermint or menthol candy is a proven solution to your problem.

Firstly, it will help to distract from disturbing thoughts and allow the passenger to calm down. Secondly, the process of sucking the candy activates the passage of air and evens out the created pressure imbalance. Chewing gum, which can be substituted for mint, will also help calm you down.

Choosing the correct head position

The causes of ear congestion have already been described, but the effects can be mitigated somewhat.

To ensure that the ear is least affected by the pressure drop, a small anatomical pillow should be used.

This item will allow you to choose the most comfortable head position during the entire flight.

Correct actions during the flight

• First, it is recommended to take off your shoes while in the air. This is necessary in order to be able to massage the lower legs from time to time. Such manipulations should be done in order to avoid blood stagnation and better circulation.
• Secondly, you need to drink juices or water as often as possible. Experts advise against drinking carbonated drinks during the flight, after which the ear begins to hurt even more.
• Thirdly, if the ear is blocked, you can make movements in the form of swallowing or chewing. In this case, you need to open your mouth wide to remove an unpleasant and painful symptom.

First aid for a child with a blocked ear

If it comes to discomfort in a baby, then the reasons for this phenomenon are no different from the case with an adult.

However, the steps to troubleshoot your problem should be slightly different.

In such a case, after take-off and before landing, you need to do the following: "blow" the baby's ears and give him juice, compote or plain water to drink from a bottle.

The procedure should be performed with the mouth and nose closed, after which the child should try to push out the accumulated air. The increased pressure in the larynx area will help rid the child's ear of the congestion.

The use of vasodilators

The causes of severe headache in case of ear congestion lie in the same increased intracranial pressure during takeoff and landing of the aircraft.

For some people, this continues throughout the flight, which causes them real torment. If this happens, you can take no-shpa, which will ease the painful sensations of the passenger.

Using earplugs

This tool allows you to balance the pressure and eliminate the causes of the problem as much as possible.

The impact of earplugs is very effective: the middle ear has time to adapt to all pressure changes during the most unfavorable moments of flight.

Consequently, the passenger ceases to feel pain and discomfort, feeling great during the entire air travel.

Ears congested on airplanes are common enough that you should not be intimidated by this. Some people, due to this factor, completely refuse to use the services of airlines.

All this is superfluous prejudices that prevent a person from getting to the right place in an extremely short time.

If you do everything correctly during the flight, then the congestion in the ears can really be mitigated as much as possible.

A source:

What to do if several days have passed

It is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible. It will not be superfluous to make a warming compress and apply it to the sore ear.

To apply a compress you will need:

1. medical bandage or gauze bandage;
2. plastic bag;
3. cotton wool;
4. fabric material for fixing the compress;
5. medical alcohol and water or vodka.

If the child is under 4 years old, then in no case should you make warming compresses with alcohol. You can replace it with regular sunflower oil.

For a child over 5 years old, a compress with vodka is also suitable, but only a 30-40-degree solution.

• roll the bandage in 8-12 layers according to the size of the auricle;
• make an ear hole in the bandage;
• moisten the resulting compress in vodka;
• firmly attach to the auricle so that the compress is adjacent to the behind-the-ear space;
• make the same cutout in polyethylene and put it on top of the bandage;
• apply cotton wool to your ear;
• fix the "structure" with a gusset.

This method is only suitable for people who have not too serious symptoms: no bleeding, purulent discharge and severe pain symptoms.

If there is a suspicion of serious illness, then self-medication is not worth it, so as not to aggravate the situation.

It is important to understand that each case is different: some methods of dealing with ear congestion after and during an air flight are not suitable for all people, and sometimes they bring only a short-term positive effect. Therefore, if a person constantly notices negative symptoms, it is necessary to find their root cause, and not try to deal with the consequences.

And only a doctor can help with this. You should not try to cope on your own with persistent ear congestion in a child - you need to contact the ENT.

What to do after the flight

In most cases, additional measures after the flight are not required. The hearing organs independently adapt to new conditions during the day. If the discomfort persists, you can consult a doctor or provide first aid at home on your own, depending on the severity of the sensations.

In the presence of third-party diseases, the appearance of discharge or an increase in temperature, you should visit a specialist.

Olive oil or hydrogen peroxide

Olive oil and hydrogen peroxide are used when available sulfur plugs... Liquids help to soften solid masses and bring them out painlessly.

The agent is preheated to body temperature, pipetted and taken horizontal position... You should lie on your side. It is necessary to provide access to the problem ear. 3-5 drops are injected into the cavity, the external tissues are lightly massaged and the passage is covered with gauze. After 5-10 minutes, you can turn over and let the fluid drain along with the earwax.

Warm compress

Exposure to heat helps to normalize vascular tone and regulate pressure, after which the ears are laid. Additionally, the method can be used for rhinitis of non-infectious origin to liquefy and remove mucus.

For the procedure, a dense cloth is immersed several times in a bowl of warm water and the liquid is thoroughly squeezed out. The material should take the form of a coma after manipulation. The compress is pressed to the area behind the ear and the inner tissues are allowed to warm up.

It is allowed to use salt or river sand for heating. Crystals are optimally shaped to retain heat. The material is heated in a frying pan, then placed in a linen or thick cotton cloth bag. The compress is pressed to the ear and kept until completely cooled. Can be used egg for better heat retention. It is placed in the middle of the pouch and surrounded by salt or sand.

Compresses can be made up to 3 times a day. It is forbidden to use heat in case of inflammatory or infectious diseases... Exposure can aggravate the patient's condition due to vasodilation and blood flow. In case of infectious lesions, an additional increase in local temperature can accelerate the spread of bacteria. Warming up for fever is not recommended.

Steaming

Steaming helps to flush mucus out. At joint application essential oils treatment can reduce pain and relieve inflammation. Steaming most often helps with rhinitis and concomitant mucus throwing.

The water is heated up to + 40 ... + 50 ° C. Vapors should be emitted from the liquid, but the temperature should be controlled to prevent scalding. Water is poured into a low wide bowl, bend over it and covered with a thick towel. Eyes must be closed. The vapors are breathed for 5-10 minutes. You can add to the water essential oil tea tree. It disinfects and relieves inflammation. When using ethers, the procedure time is reduced to 5-7 minutes.

If you have problems with the cardiovascular system, you can do local steaming. For this, strong tea is prepared and part of the tea leaves is poured into another cup. The container is brought to the ear with the head tilted. The tea bag softens the effects of the steam and releases heat slowly.

An alternative way is to shower. In most cases, standing under a stream of warm water for 5-10 minutes is enough to get rid of discomfort.

In the presence of pathologies of cardio-vascular system it is important to control the temperature so as not to provoke the development of an exacerbation.

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What to do if the pain persists

Usually, all discomfort disappears soon after the plane lands. But what if you have been on solid ground for a long time, and the discomfort is still present? This may also indicate that an infection has entered the inner ear, and has led to inflammatory process... This is especially likely if the passenger suffered from a cold during the flight.

It is best to see your doctor to determine the problem. If it is still a matter of inflammation, it is not worth delaying treatment in any case. Otherwise, it can even lead to hearing loss.

A good ear massage can also help alleviate the discomfort. To do this, you need to either twist the auricles or insert your fingers directly into the ears, quickly moving them, simulating the removal and depression of the plugs. This is very much anyway useful massage even if your ears are okay.

Why airplane pressure changes during takeoff and landing

Pressure regulating valve

It is a mistake to think that the plane is completely sealed. The fuselages have openings that allow air exchange with the environment, which ensures the regulation of the pressure inside the body. If this were not the case, the hull could have been damaged due to strong drops during takeoff and landing. A special automated system controls air exchange, adjusting the indicators in a balance that allows people to feel comfortable and eliminates the risk of damage to the case. It is thanks to her work that the pressure indicators change - without this it was impossible to achieve flight safety.

The pressure inside the aircraft begins to change already during its acceleration on the ground, and then, during takeoff, it is also subject to fluctuations. However, everything happens within the specified safe parameters. The system is equipped with emergency air release mechanisms when the pressure is exceeded, and it can also be adjusted manually, which eliminates risks. And therefore, the maximum that an unpleasant thing can happen due to pressure drops is to block the ears for a while.

How to deal with congestion in the ears

At the dawn of civil aviation, passengers faced the problem of ear congestion during takeoff and landing. And the distribution of mints by the flight attendants before takeoff is not a tribute to fashion, but a means of reducing the severity of unpleasant sensations.

Enough in an efficient way to reduce takeoff and landing discomfort is imitation of yawns or chewing and swallowing movements. At the same time (as in the case of dissolving mint candies) a hole in the Eustachian tube opens slightly, and the pressure in the body (the cavity of the ear apparatus) is equalized with the pressure in the aircraft cabin. If the flight is with a small child, then during take-off, you should give him a pacifier or a bottle of juice or water.

If you have a severe runny nose or an inflammatory disease in the ear apparatus, it is better to refuse to fly. If this cannot be done, it is necessary to take with you vasodilators and remedies for the common cold, which will allow you to more painlessly adapt to changes in pressure. Therefore, you should not be afraid of ear congestion and torment yourself with the question of why ears are blocked on the plane. There are many ways and means to avoid this unpleasant phenomenon, and you should use one of them.

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About the prerequisites for the problem

Let's continue the conversation by clarifying the question of why ears are stuffed on the plane. Here, the main reason for the appearance of unpleasant sensations is the pressure drop during takeoff, landing of the airliner and the flight itself. The normal state of a person is a consequence of the equalization of atmospheric and internal pressure in the body. Accordingly, a change in this value leads to a problem, and the passenger feels discomfort.

The edema is caused by the retraction of the tympanic membrane due to the pressure drop.

However, such phenomena are exacerbated against the background of chronic diseases of the ENT organs or with the wrong traveler to air voyage. First, let's talk about medical contraindications for flights - after all, tourists who have recently suffered or are chronically suffering from diseases of the nose or hearing organs are at increased risk. Among the pathologies here, doctors distinguish the following diseases:

1. Inflammatory process of the middle ear... Acute or chronic course eustachitis disrupts the ventilation of the auditory tube, which leads to swelling and retraction of the eardrum. This disease is considered a consequence of a cold or nasal polyposis. Sinusitis also becomes the cause of inflammation. Under normal conditions, the course of the disease does not pose a particular threat to health when timely treatment, but when flying, the risk of hearing loss doubles here.
2. Hearing loss... In this case, conductive hearing loss in case of disturbances in the functioning of the organs of the middle ear or the sensorineural type of this disease is dangerous. Flights for people who suffer from this disease are fraught with complete hearing loss. Before traveling, it will be possible to make sure that there is no threat to health after passing the audiogram and decoding the received data by an otolaryngologist.
3. Otitis and sinusitis... A common runny nose provokes congestion in the ears in the air. And here it is important to identify the root cause and undergo a course of treatment. Remember, a stuffy nose provokes a retraction of the tympanic membrane, and a change in external atmospheric pressure here will increase the effect by 2–3 times. Overloads result in a ruptured eardrum and dizziness.
4. Allergic reactions... In case of a tendency to the appearance of lacrimation and rhinitis, it is appropriate for a passenger to visit a doctor on the eve of the trip and consult on how to reduce the danger of this unpleasant phenomenon. Since the mechanism of action on the hearing organs here is identical to the case described above, a competent doctor will certainly recommend reliable protective measures.

As you can see, there are many known medical reasons that explain the unpleasant sensations of tourists during takeoff and landing. However, the situation when the ears hurt when the plane lands are also found in completely healthy people. This problem requires an immediate solution - after all, delaying it threatens to turn into serious health problems.

People who suffer from diseases of ENT organs are at increased risk

Taking a bath or shower before the flight can provoke such inconvenience. After all, the smallest droplets of water lead to swelling of sulfur and press on the eardrum. In addition, pressure changes also have a negative effect on the condition of travelers' ears.

It is important to pay attention to children here - after all, kids often do not understand the reasons for what is happening and will not be able to explain to their parents the essence of the problem.

Factors and causes of congestion

Congestion does not occur on its own. Despite the individual characteristics of each patient's condition, doctors identify a number of reasons that in 90% of cases lead to congestion and overlap with each other:

Medical studies have repeatedly proved that the overwhelming majority of patients with complaints of regular or situational congestion have a history of severe disorders of the temporomandibular joint. This also applies to patients who regularly have ear pain. Here, treatment should be carried out under the supervision of an osteopathic physician. Self-medication of congestion can lead to complications, the occurrence of many chronic ailments.

Usually, your ears settle shortly after landing. Pain or a feeling of blockage suffers from time to time. Recreation and entertainment: Family activities Entertainment: Pools; Pool sides; Which hotel?; budget options; Pool time? Leisure: Golf Leisure: Horseback Riding Leisure: craft beer bars and microbrewers Leisure: where good places for hiking or jogging? Transport: airport - international arrivals - how long does it take to arrive? Transport. Car rental: the best deals?

• Is it reliable?
• Attractions Leisure: where is the bowling alley?

Between jet lag, dry air, and sitting muscles in a trainer, flying can really make a difference to your health.

The ENT Medical Association recommends that travelers wear earplugs during flights. They help to equalize the pressure between atmospheric and pressure in the tympanic cavity. It is better to buy them in pharmacies, where they are of better quality and cheaper than at the airport.

If you are flying for the first time, see a doctor before traveling. This will not be a superfluous measure to protect your health. He will advise on how to put together a first aid kit for a comfortable flight, but do not forget that not all items are allowed on board.

So you don't suffer from any chronic diseases, but want to know, if your ears are blocked after takeoff, then a number of tips will help you. Sip water, chew gum, or suck on hard candy during landing and takeoff. When your ears are already blocked, try massaging your ears. A special breathing exercise can also help. Take a deep breath and then exhale with your mouth and nose closed. A click should be heard, and the feeling of congestion should pass.

Attention! Refrain from flying at the time of acute inflammation of the ENT organs. This can lead to irreparable consequences for your health! ... Modern life requires decisive action from us, and sometimes sacrifice

But do not bring your health for the sake of business and career. Refrain from flying if you have contraindications for this at the moment. Do not neglect the advice of a specialist if you are flying for the first time and do not hesitate to ask questions that interest you. There is nothing wrong with being afraid of something or not knowing. There is a wealth of information freely available that you can use to resolve your fears and doubts. We hope that the listed tips will help you avoid travel discomfort and will be remembered only for pleasant moments.

Modern life requires decisive action from us, and sometimes sacrifice. But do not bring your health for the sake of business and career. Refrain from flying if you have contraindications for this at the moment. Do not neglect the advice of a specialist if you are flying for the first time and do not hesitate to ask questions that interest you. There is nothing wrong with being afraid of something or not knowing. There is a wealth of information freely available that you can use to resolve your fears and doubts. We hope that these tips will help you avoid travel discomfort and will be remembered only for pleasant moments.

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Preventing troubles

Now we will discuss what to do to avoid stuffing your ears on the plane. These tips are suitable for people who suffer from chronic sinusitis, otitis media and hearing impairment. Of course, you will first have to visit an otolaryngologist and consult a doctor about safety measures on board. As a rule, in such situations, doctors recommend putting nose drops in the first-aid kit, which relieve swelling.

The purchase of a special device for the flight - an earplug - helps to normalize the pressure of the middle ear

Moreover, it is appropriate to use such a drug even before the airliner takes off. The medicine temporarily narrows blood vessels, dries mucous secretions and relieves edema of the Eustachian tube. True, it is impossible to abuse such medicines, use the drug strictly on the recommendation of a doctor or prescriptions of the instruction.

For allergy sufferers, it is advisable to replenish the first aid kit with antihistamines. Here, as in the situation above, take the medicine in advance, without waiting for the discomfort to arise. Remember that even healthy passengers sometimes do not tolerate flights.

Earplugs are an excellent prevention of ear congestion in flight. Here you need to find a model with a pressure regulation function. Such products can be found in pharmacies, chain stores and first-aid posts at airports. Ear plugs protect the delicate organs of the middle ear from sudden changes in pressure, and the traveler does not feel discomfort.

Official medicine

What to do if you missed the train

One way to spread the ears and relieve pain is to use traditional medicine.

Important! When using medication, you should consult your doctor. You should not choose the dosage yourself, so as not to harm yourself

One of best practices, which doctors recommend, is the use of vasoconstrictor drops. These include the popular Xymelin, Tizin and others. The principle of action of the drug is simple: they reduce the swelling of the mucous membrane, as a result of which the congestion disappears.

It is worth considering that such funds are addictive. Therefore, if you have to fly constantly, at least once a week, it is better to resort to another method, otherwise it will soon be impossible to breathe without medicine.

Cold remedy

There are also special sprays that allow you to completely clear the nasopharynx of mucus. Among these, Afrin is very popular - a fairly cheap and affordable tool. However, it is better to use it before the flight, not during it.

Important! Before boarding a plane, it is worth purchasing special earplugs. They can be found both in the pharmacy and in various shops near the airport and inside the building. You need to use them before takeoff and before landing.

Airplane ear blocking remedies, ear drops, exercises

Ear drops

If all the aforementioned remedies do not help you get rid of ear congestion, then you can try to solve the problem in a more radical way, that is, with ear drops. But you must remember that such drugs should have a pronounced analgesic and antispasmodic effect.

If you choose another type of drops, you will not get the desired effect.

True, in this case, it is extremely important to take into account one nuance. Drops should be instilled in the ears warm

If you use a cold remedy, you will thereby provoke vasospasm in the maxillary sinus area, which will lead to an even greater deterioration in the condition.

For this reason, it will be better if, before takeoff, you take the bottle with drops in your hands and warm it slightly with your warmth. It is necessary to instill drops in a standard way, literally 2 drops in each ear. To improve the effect, you can additionally put earplugs or pieces of cotton wool in the ear canals.

List of suitable ear drops:

• Naftizin
• Ototon
• Droplex
• Tizine
• Vibrocin
• Anauran
• Otipax

As for gymnastics, it is very simple to do it. The main thing in this case is to relax as much as possible and enjoy the process.

so:

• Place your finger in the auricle (not very deep) and draw a square with up-down, right-left movements
• Grasp the earlobe with two fingers and massage it for 2-3 minutes
• Warm up your palms and rub the ears in a circular motion
• Breathe your nose like a hedgehog
• Open your mouth and move your jaw back and forth for 2-3 minutes

Symptom prevention

To keep your ears congested and headache were not strong, do not fly with a cold. It is better to change tickets for another date and lie down at home, and not risk your health and infect others.

Don't sleep before boarding. It is better to ask the flight attendant to wake up 10-20 minutes before arriving at the airport. It is worth using earplugs. You can buy them at any pharmacy or store.

It is advisable to take sour sweets or chewing gum on the flight. The characteristic swallowing movements will help to quickly relieve swelling. If there are none, you need to ask the flight attendant for them.

Be sure to take a bottle of plain still water with you. Drinking in small sips can also help relieve congestion.

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Lays in ears when landing how to behave correctly

In order to minimize ear congestion during takeoff and landing, it is necessary to constantly create conditions under which air will enter the middle ear.

Aeration of the middle ear occurs only when the Eustachian tube is open. In the normal state, it has a rather small clearance, and during flight it can be completely clogged. It will open only at the moment of yawning, swallowing food or doing special exercises.

Therefore, the ways to improve your condition during the climb or loss of altitude come down to these simple activities:

• Vigorous swallowing or yawning movements will help open the Eustachian tube for a while.
• Swallowing hard candy, drinking small sips of mineral water, or using chewing gum encourages frequent swallowing.
• will help reduce discomfort.

There are several exercises specifically designed to improve the performance of the auditory tubes during flight:

• Move your tongue forward, backward.
• Make a movement with the lower jaw to the right, to the left.
• Inhale one nostril in turn, and exhale the other (if one ear is blocked).
• Inhale with your nose closed.
• Valsalva Method: With the nose closed and the mouth closed, gently direct the air flow to the nose and ears.
• Lowry's method: while exhaling, do swallowing movements with your mouth and nose closed.

These simple exercises can help relieve the congestion of the ear canal as the plane descends. If the flight is long over, and the discomfort in the ears has not gone away, you should immediately contact medical institution... The sooner this happens, the more effective the treatment will be.

Video: Dangers of air travel, how to help yourself

Human ear structure

Human ear structure

The organ of hearing has a complex structure; it consists of an outer, middle and inner part. The outer part is the auricle, while inside the ear is a system of chambers and auditory canals, where the eardrum and other miniature organs that are responsible for the perception of sound signals are located. The system is very sensitive not only to sound but also to pressure. When pressure readings change, various anomalies of auditory perception may occur, as well as discomfort. They are observed when diving to a depth of even how many meters - the pressure under water increases, which causes unpleasant sensations up to pain in the ears.

What to do if your ears get stuffy during the flight

• The easiest, "popular" way is to simply blow out your ears. This is done in this way - a person inhales deeply, and then, closing his mouth and nose, exhales sharply. During this, it is as if something clicks in the ears - this is the eardrum into place. The procedure can be a little painful.
• An easier option that divers often use is to pinch your nose and start swallowing vigorously with your mouth wide open.
• Open and close your mouth wide a few times, and ideally just yawn. This is great for solving the problem.
• You can try drinking water or any other non-carbonated liquid. This should be done through a tube, in small and frequent sips.
• If the ears are blocked due to a runny nose, and there are no vasoconstrictor drops with you, you can do with improvised means. Any plane has water and salt - ask the flight attendant for them and prepare the isotonic solution yourself. After rinsing the nose with it, the discomfort should decrease.
• If none of the above helps, try massage your ears. There are no special techniques - just twirl and rub your ears to activate blood circulation. You can also literally stick your little fingers in your ears and twirl them, as if you are inserting and pulling a plug. In the latter case, it is important not to overdo it and not stick your fingers too deeply. This massage helps, even if the ears are very sore.

An important point - if the pain is severe, in no case do not clench your teeth in an attempt to "endure". Opening your mouth will always help reduce swings.

Sometimes it happens that the ears continue to hurt after the plane has landed. Sometimes it may not be about ear congestion at all - if there was already inflammation in the nasopharynx or ear canals, then dry air in an airplane in combination with pressure drops can provoke the development of the disease. If after a few hours the pain persists, be sure to see a doctor.

What to do if it doesn't go away after landing

If the painful sensations continue to pester after the landing of the liner, then this is the first signal that an infection has entered the ear. It can be both simple otitis media and serious inflammation. You can't just give up on this problem - you need to urgently take action.

If the congestion after the plane does not go away for a long time, it is strongly recommended to consult your doctor in order to avoid complications and prompt detection. possible diseases internal organs... To slightly reduce the discomfort before visiting the doctor, you can do a light ear massage yourself.

Here is one of the safest options for this technique if your ears are blocked on the plane with a cold:

1. Warm up your palms by rubbing against each other.
2. Place your hands on the auricle, holding it from 2 sides.
3. Warm up your ears by making smooth circular motions.
4. Pull the lobe up a little, then down.
5. Gently pull the auricle in different directions.
6. Massage the lobes.

Massage is contraindicated in the presence of:

• purulent and bloody discharge;
• severe pain syndrome.

In no case should you make sudden movements. Do not ignore the rules of hygiene: ears with various diseases very sensitive to bacteria.

As a result, the pain sensations dull, but you need to keep your ears warm, preventing hypothermia.

Is there a health hazard on a plane with a runny nose What to do when the trip cannot be postponed

With a runny nose, the patient develops swelling of the nasal mucosa, which, in turn, can lead to a deterioration in the ventilation of the middle ear. What is it fraught with in flight? When you are in the cabin of the liner, such violations lead to severe pain. A feeling of ear congestion may occur. In addition, hemorrhage into the tympanic cavity and even rupture of the tympanic membrane are not excluded. With sudden changes in pressure, nasal congestion can cause the development of acute otitis media. In case of a runny nose, and especially if it clogs up the ears, it is better to cancel the flight, but this is far from always possible! In such cases, it is imperative to use vasoconstrictors, for example, xylometazoline (Xymelin).

This drug has a decongestant and vasoconstrictor effect, as a result of which nasal breathing improves within 10-12 hours after its use. Ventilation of the tympanic cavity is also enhanced, which ensures the prevention of acute suppurative otitis media. Xymelin is available in the form of a metered-dose spray, which can be used to ensure a uniform spray of the drug in the nasal cavity. Thanks to this, Xymelin begins to act so quickly - in just a few minutes. The drug is available in pediatric (0.05%) and adult (0.1%) dosages.

Attention! In cases where unpleasant or painful sensations in the ear persist for a long time after air travel, you should consult an ENT doctor. ... Why does the ears "stick" during the flight?

Why does the ears "stick" during the flight?

Almost everyone who often flies on an airplane has at least once noted congestion and discomfort in the ears. This occurs as a result of the process of equalizing the air pressure in the tympanic cavity of the ear. Normally, the internal pressure in the cavity should be equal to the external one, therefore, with a sharp change in the latter (for example, with an increase in height and, conversely, a decrease), a failure is possible, which is manifested by a feeling of ear congestion.

How to eliminate “congestion” of the ears during takeoff or landing?

As a prophylaxis and to eliminate this symptom, you can use several simple techniques:

1.Frequent swallowing movements (chewing candy or chewing gum);

2. exercises for the auditory tubes (imitation of yawning, a sharp exhalation with a closed mouth and nose).

However, if you have a cold or runny nose, these measures may not be enough. In such situations, vasoconstrictor agents, for example, Xymelin, will come to the rescue. Xymelin in the form of a metered spray begins to act quickly and is easy to use - you do not need to tilt your head, as is the case with drops. The effect of the drug lasts for 10-12 hours.

What to do to avoid stuffing your ears next time

The best way to get rid of ear blockages is to prevent this situation first. Here are some tips to keep your ears from getting blocked on your next flight.

• Use Xymelin or Tizin, or your vasoconstrictor nasal drops. They reduce the swelling of the mucous membrane. Follow the directions and see your doctor if you have any questions about whether you should take vasoconstrictor medications.
• Open your ear tube using a nasal spray such as Afrin, both before and 45 minutes before planting.
• Put on earplugs (earplugs) to reduce air pressure in flight. Some airports sell special ones that regulate the pressure inside the tympanic cavity, so the ears hurt less.

• Plugged ears - chew gum, yawn or imitate yawning, open your mouth and swallow, suck on lollipop during takeoff and landing.
• If you have a cold, try to reduce the number of connections, or, at best, plan a direct flight. As a result, you do not have to endure pressure drops several times a day.