Ear pains durring descent

SeanD

SeanD

Well-Known Member
My brother and I are flying out to D.C for a week and he has a bad problem with severe ear pains durring descent and it puts him out of commision for hours after we land. I know its the pressure ect but does Claritin relieve this as said in an other thread or is there something else that he can do. He has tried chewing gum and blowing his nose ect. Thanks in advance.
 
He can take the Claritin at least 2 hours before the flight. We used to use Afrin but the new TSA rules:( make it hard to do. I would but a bottle of Afrin, take it just before checking the luggage on hte trip out and do the same on the return trip. It will shrink the musous membranes in the nasopharynx, helping to open the eustachian tube.

Good luck:)
 
WOW a Doctor that endorses Afrin. My little warning, try to avoid long term use with afrin. Dr. Forred, do you think a steriodal nasal spray would be appropriate if he flys alot ??? I wish I could say Astelin, but according to the FAA its not allowed, even though the FDA or maybe just the manufacturer, says it isn't absorbed systemically.
 
Steroid nasal sprays like Flonase are also a great option. You need to start it 3-4 days ahead of time. It also requires a trip to the doc ($$$:( )
 
My Flight Surgeon said:
He can take the Claritin at least 2 hours before the flight. We used to use Afrin but the new TSA rules:( make it hard to do. I would but a bottle of Afrin, take it just before checking the luggage on hte trip out and do the same on the return trip. It will shrink the musous membranes in the nasopharynx, helping to open the eustachian tube.

Good luck:)
Click to expand...

Ive had previous ear problems before, one including an absess in my right ear. WIll that "afrin" help unclogged the eustachian tube? is it considered an antibiotic?
 
My Flight Surgeon said:
He can take the Claritin at least 2 hours before the flight. We used to use Afrin but the new TSA rules:( make it hard to do. I would but a bottle of Afrin, take it just before checking the luggage on hte trip out and do the same on the return trip. It will shrink the musous membranes in the nasopharynx, helping to open the eustachian tube.

Good luck:)
Click to expand...

Thanks Doc. It is a 4+ hour long flight. Should he take it 2 hours before we land or does it last for some time? Is Afrin available over the counter or is a perscription needed? Thanks again.
 
Afrin lasts 12 hours, so take it before you go. It is an over the counter medication and generic works as well as brand name for less money.

He probably can't take it in his carry-on with the new TSA rules. I did hear they were going to let women with gel-filled bras wear them again though:nana2:
 
How much congestion is too much to fly with? I've heard horror stories of pilots blowing out ear drums from headcolds, is that more myth than anything? I've been nervous flying when I can't clear my ears... is there any real big concern other than putting up with some pain and discomfort?
 
If you can't clear your ears, you are at risk for injurying them. Yes you can rupture an ear drum. Remember the cabin altitude is between 6 and 8 thousand feet in most pressurized aircraft. This change to sea level can cause ear drum injury, incapacitating pain, vertigo and spatial disorientation.:(
 
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